Join LCA in advocating for animal rights!

For almost four decades, LCA has tirelessly fought to end animal abuse through groundbreaking undercover investigations, hard-hitting campaigns, animal-friendly legislation, and by garnering media attention.

On Wednesday, July 31, 2019—LCA's S. Korean sister organization Animal Liberation Wave (ALW) exposed an unlicensed auction house in S. Korea that sells dogs for consumption.

On May 21, 2019, the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA, H.R. 2863) was introduced in Congress. Championed by Animal Defenders International (ADI) and supported by a coalition of animal rights organizations—including LCA—the bipartisan bill will ban the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling circuses across the United States, if passed.

On Friday, 9/6 and Saturday 9/7, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) will be showcasing their exhibition of animal cruelty once again at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

On July 14, 2019, three horses were euthanized after sustaining serious injuries during the final night of chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede's Rangeland Derby. In total, six horses have been killed—making this year's 10-day event the deadliest in almost a decade.

LCA vehemently condemns all rodeos, and with the latest incidewnts at the Calgary Stampede resulting in the deaths of six horses, is calling for an end to this barbaric "sport".

On Friday, July 12, 2019, LCA and S. Korean sister organization Animal Liberation Wave (ALW) gathered in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, S. Korea to protest the start of Boknal—three nonconsecutive days known for being extremely hot when the consumption of dog meat soup (known as "Boshingtang") rises to combat the extreme heat and humidity.

Joined by legendary actress and animal rights activist Kim Basinger, countless supporters partook in a silent memorial and held replicas of deceased dogs to symbolize all the dogs that have been slaughtered in the dog meat trade. 

Currently, one out of five S. Koreans have dogs as companion animals. The Korean public's perception of dogs is changing and they are increasingly being considered part of the family. In light of the growing consensus against dog meat, S. Korean Congressman Pyo Chang-won proposed an amendment to the country's Animal Protection Act that, if passed, would outlaw the slaughter of dogs and cats for meat. Unfortunately, the bill was never tabled for legal assessment and is currently stalled in the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans & Fisheries Committee.

Congressman Pyo told CNN: "Many of the congressmen are based in rural areas where dog farms exist and they are under pressure not to talk about the bill, not to support the bill, not to allow the bill coming on the table."

During the protest, demonstrators urged the Korean government to pass MP Pyo Chang-won's amendment. LCA, ALW, and Basinger also met with several lawmakers and local governors to advocate for the passage of this bill. "I do think that government is going to have to not turn a blind eye and really come up with solutions like [MP Pyo's amendment]," said Basinger. "South Korea is going to be the leader for this, it's going to be known for this and it's going to trickle down." She later added: "[The dogs] do not need your tears; they need your help."

Help stop dog meat:

• Sign the petition at StopDogMeat.com urging the S. Korean government to pass MP Pyo Chang-won's proposed amendment to the Animal Protection Act. If passed, MP Pyo's amendment will be a major blow to the country's barbaric dog meat trade.

• Spread the word on social media by using the hashtags: #ThisCouldBeYourDog #StopDogMeat #FriendsNotFood

• Make a donation today to help LCA continue the fight against dog meat.

Click here to learn more about LCA's 2019 Boknal protest.

Photo: LCA/ALW

LCA's dog meat demonstration in S. Korea is just hours away! LCA's Founder and President, Chris DeRose, is currently on the ground in Seoul—along with S. Korean sister organization Animal Liberation Wave (ALW) and legendary actress and animal rights activist Kim Basinger!

Calling all animal advocates! The Official Animal Rights March (TOARM) in Los Angeles, California will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2019!

While the dairy industry purports dairy cows are treated "humanely", this is little more than a ploy to trick consumers into purchasing their products guilt-free. The harsh reality of a dairy cow's existence can be summed up quite easily: a never-ending cycle of forced pregnancies so that they can give birth over and over again in order to produce milk that is sold for human consumption. 

The by-products of the dairy industry are equally disturbing: while female calves are raised as replacements to their mothers, male calves are slaughtered for veal since they cannot produce any milk. The resource-intensive dairy industry's production process is also a major contributor to global warming and requires upwards of 1,000 gallons of water just to produce one gallon of milk!

Thankfully, the plant-based milk industry is booming as consumers become increasingly aware of the abhorrent cruelty prevalent in the dairy industry. If you've yet to ditch dairy for cruelty-free alternatives like oat, almond, and coconut milk, keep reading for five amazing facts about cows that prove they're just like us.

1. Cows are pregnant for 9 months

Just like humans, a dairy cow's gestation period is nine months. At the end of their pregnancy, dairy cows have their newborn calves ripped away from them within the first 24 hours of their birth so that their milk can be sold for human consumption. Mother cows have been known to call and search for their babes after they're gone.

2. Cows are incredibly social

Cows are socially complex creatures that prefer to live in large herds, not alone. They are known to develop long lasting friendships and enjoy the company of other cows. Sadly, the unconventional living conditions on dairy farms do not allow cows to interact with one another and establish these relationships.

3. Cows grieve over loss

When they are separated from their friends and families, cows grieve over the loss—just like a human would. Cows even become visibly distressed after the briefest of separations.

4. Cows have unique personalities

Cows exhibit shyness and boldness, just like humans. Cows show empathy for others and have even been known to hold grudges against those who have slighted them.

5. Cows have excellent problem solving skills

Cows are incredibly intelligent and can use logic to solve difficult tasks. They even get excited when they are able to solve a problem.

Photo: Unsplash

On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging the governments of China, Vietnam, S. Korea, Cambodia, and Indonesia to ban the sale of dog meat and to enforce their animal cruelty laws. 

UPDATE: This action is now closed. AB 1254 passed the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee on July 9.

On May 23, 2019, California Assembly Bill 1254 passed the Assembly Floor by a 54-21 vote (five members did not vote) and has now advanced to the Senate.

Introduced by Assemblymember Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles), the bill creates a moratorium on the trophy hunting of the state's iconic bobcats. If enacted into law, the bill would make California the first state in the nation to ban the trophy hunting of bobcats.

Fireworks are a staple for the 4th of July; however, the loud sounds can be incredibly terrifying and stressful for your companion animals.

In fact, July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters because the scary noises often cause animals to run away out of fear. Here are five ways you can help keep your companion animal safe during July 4th celebrations.

On Friday, July 12, 2019, LCA and S. Korean sister organization Animal Liberation Wave (ALW) will protest Boknal—the three hottest days of the Korean summer when the consumption of dog meat soup rises to combat the extreme heat—in Seoul, S. Korea.

On June 5, 2019, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, a prominent advocate for animal welfare, introduced a resolution in the Los Angeles City Council urging the governments of China, Vietnam, S. Korea, Cambodia, and Indonesia to ban the sale of dog meat and to enforce their animal cruelty laws.

Fashion retailers like Louis Vuitton and alligator/crocodile breeders are working to pass a dangerous bill—AB 719—that would continue an exemption to California law that has allowed the sale of alligator and crocodile products since 2006.

UPDATE: This action is now closed. SB 313 passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee on 6/25/19 by a 9-1 vote.

On Tuesday, June 18, 2019, SB 313—the Circus Cruelty Prevention Act—passed the California Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife by a 9-2 vote. The bill has now advanced to the Assembly Judiciary Committee and will be heard on Tuesday, June 25th.

If signed into law, SB 313—which was introduced by Sen. Ben Hueso (D-San Diego)—would ban circus animal acts throughout California. Your help is urgently needed to ensure SB 313 passes through the Judiciary Committee!

On Tuesday, June 18, 2019, SB 313—the Circus Cruelty Prevention Act—passed the California Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife by a 9-2 vote (and two abstentions). The bill, which would ban the use of wild animals in traveling circuses, now moves to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Exciting news to share: LCA has been named a 2019 Top-Rated Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits—a review site like Yelp, but for charitable groups and nonprofits. This honor is awarded annually based on ratings and the number of reviews received from donors, volunteers, and others involved in LCA's groundbreaking work.

On Tuesday, June 18, Intro 1378—a bill to ban the sale of foie gras in NYC—will be heard by the New York City Council Health Committee!

UPDATE: This action is now closed. SB 313 passed the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife on 6/18/19 by a 9-2 vote.

SB 313, the Circus Cruelty Prevention Act, has advanced to the State Assembly and will be heard on Tuesday, June 18th by the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife.

If signed into law, SB 313—which was introduced by Sen. Ben Hueso (D-San Diego)—would ban circus animal acts throughout California.