This Dangerous Pet Procedure is Now Banned in One Illinois City

New Zealand Debates Ban on Greyhound Racing

New Zealand moves toward banning greyhound racing in 2026 after injury and fatality rates among racing dogs were cause for concern. Although the industry has made significant steps toward improving animal welfare and caring for racing dogs, politicians disagree. Racing Minister Winston Peters claimed the rates of injury and fatality were “persistently high.”

Globally, only some countries still allow greyhound racing, including the United States, Australia, and Britain. A bill was proposed on Tuesday to ban the unnecessary killing of racing dogs in New Zealand. The government hopes to move forward with a complete racing ban in 2026. While animal rights groups have praised New Zealand’s civil servants, professionals in the racing industry are mourning the loss of a lucrative sport.

Red Wolf Featured as the Star of LG’s Endangered Species Awareness Campaign

LG Electronics’s endangered species awareness campaign currently focuses on the red wolf, an endangered species native to the eastern United States. Fewer than 20 red wolves remain in the wild in North Carolina, making them the most endangered species in the country.

As a critically endangered species, we think the red wolf is a perfect spotlight for LG’s campaign. The campaign highlights the red wolf with an impressive display in Times Square. The 3D anamorphic display captures a mother and baby red wolf huddled beneath a full moon. The goal is to educate the many thousands of people who visit Times Square on this diminishing species.

LG’s past graphic displays have included the sea lion, bald eagle, and snow leopard. More animals will be featured in 2025 as LG revitalizes its endangered species awareness campaign.

Cat Declawing Banned in Evanston, Illinois

Evanston City Council in Illinois passed an ordinance this week banning the declawing of cats. Research suggests that declawing has adverse effects on cats, including chronic pain and prolonged injury. Additionally, experts claim that removing claws prohibits cats from engaging in natural behaviors and jeopardizes their health.

Claws help cats balance, climb, scratch, and stretch. When they can’t perform these natural behaviors, cats often show behavioral changes, such as aggression and litterbox avoidance. Behavioral changes cause frustration with owners, increasing the likelihood that declawed cats will be sent to shelters.

Many support Evanston’s decision to ban declawing, calling the practice animal cruelty. Other states that have issued bans on declawing include Maryland, New York, and Washington D.C., while some have placed strict limits on declawing procedures to mitigate pain and injury. Still, animal rights activists call for a nationwide ban on the declawing of cats. Find out more about declawing practices here.