Born Free USA Press Releases

Bear mauling renews call for ban on wild animals as pets

Ross Township, PA — Born Free USA, a leading national wildlife advocacy organization, is calling on Pennsylvania legislators to immediately ban the ownership of dangerous wild animals after a 37-year-old woman was killed by a black bear kept as a pet in Ross Township. According to media reports, the woman was killed while cleaning the bear’s 12x12 foot cage. The bear was shot to death by a neighbor.

Assembly Passes Bill to Protect Pets from Unscrupulous Sales Practices

Sacramento, CA — The California Animal Association, a coalition of 11 state and national animal welfare organizations, today lauded the California State Assembly for passing AB 1122, a bill that will prevent animals from being sold along roadsides, in parking lots and at carnivals, where they are often subject to unsanitary conditions and pose human health risks.

Animals win big, thanks to Fur Free Fashion!

Sacramento, CA — Born Free USA is proud to announce the winners of “fffashion”, its inaugural fur-free fashion design competition. Independent designers were invited to enter their innovative fur-free fashion designs for cash prizes and the chance to be featured in a full-page ad in the September/October issue of E Magazine, a co-sponsor of the competition.

Shocking undercover video bolsters Ringling elephant abuse lawsuit

Kent, WA — As Ringling Bros. circus prepares to open in Kent, new undercover video of its handlers beating elephants with bullhooks is spreading like wildfire on the Internet and in the media. National wildlife advocacy non-profit Born Free USA, a plaintiff in the federal trial against Ringling Bros., points to this investigation as further evidence that Ringling Bros. circus is violating the Endangered Species Act by abusing Asian elephants.

Shocking undercover video bolsters Ringling elephant abuse lawsuit

Lexington, KY — As Ringling Bros. circus prepares to open in Lexington, new undercover video of its handlers beating elephants with bullhooks is spreading like wildfire on the Internet and in the media. National wildlife advocacy non-profit Born Free USA, a plaintiff in the federal trial against Ringling Bros., points to this investigation as further evidence that Ringling Bros. circus is violating the Endangered Species Act by abusing Asian elephants.

Sacramento group in midst of uproar over Ringling elephant abuse claims

Sacramento, CA — As Ringling Bros. circus prepares to open in Sacramento, new undercover video of its handlers beating elephants with bullhooks is spreading like wildfire on the Internet and in the media. Sacramento-based non-profit Born Free USA, a plaintiff in the federal trial against Ringling Bros., points to this investigation as further evidence that Ringling Bros. circus is violating the Endangered Species Act by abusing Asian elephants.

Former Esther’s Follies star says circus cruelty is no laughing matter

Austin, TX — As Ringling Bros. circus prepares to open in Austin, new undercover video of its handlers beating elephants with bullhooks is spreading like wildfire on the Internet and in the media. Born Free USA, a plaintiff in the federal trial against Ringling Bros., points to this investigation as further evidence that Ringling Bros. circus is violating the Endangered Species Act by abusing Asian elephants.

Conservationists slam decision to allow Mirage hotel dolphin import

Las Vegas, NV — Despite opposition by Born Free USA, the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), and renowned marine researcher, educator and environmentalist, Jean-Michel Cousteau, the National Marine Fisheries Service has approved a permit for two bottlenose dolphins to be imported to the Mirage hotel from the Bahamas.