Europe Facing Giant Murder Hornet Invasion

Massive Kentucky Fire Kills More Than 100 Animals

A fire in Danville, Kentucky, killed approximately 100 chickens and other farm animals Thursday morning around 3 a.m. The building, engulfed in flames when responders arrived, was located on Gentry Lane in Boyle County. Authorities are unsure of how the fire began and are continuing to investigate. There were no human injuries or fatalities. Learn more at WKYT.com.

PEDIGREE Foundation Grants Over $1 Million to Animal Shelters

In 2024, the PEDIGREE Foundation issued around $1.2 million in grants to animal rescues and shelters across North America. While around 5% fewer animals entered shelters during the first half of 2024, animal homelessness remains an epidemic in the United States. For instance, 1.5 million dogs entered shelters between January and June 2024.

Although animal intake decreased this year, outcome rates did not increase, leaving animals stuck in shelters for prolonged periods. Many shelters and rescues have struggled to meet the needs of their large animal populations, making PEDIGREE Foundation’s recent contributions to animal welfare organizations particularly significant.

In 2024, the foundation supported 96 shelters and rescues and over 77,000 dogs throughout the United States and Canada. Additionally, around $270,000 alone supported animals displaced by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Since its establishment in 2008, the PEDIGREE Foundation has given over $14 million and supported nearly 900,000 dogs. Find out more about grant recipients at pedigreefoundation.org.

Murder Hornets Invade Europe for the First Time Ever

Southern giant hornets have been found in Europe for the first time. The hornets – nicknamed “murder hornets” because they demolish entire beehives in one go – show aggressive behavior and threaten beekeepers. Murder hornets come from parts of Asia, such as Thailand, China, and Vietnam. While these hornets are native to these countries, their appearance in Europe classifies them as an invasive species.

The first murder hornet pair was spotted in northern Spain in 2022, but scientists have yet to find its nesting location. Many researchers believe the southern giant hornet first arrived on a cargo ship. Although no murder hornets have been spotted elsewhere in Europe, they continue to threaten Spain’s ecology and the beekeeping industry. Learn more here.