Five Gifts Animals Received in 2009

Most days it seems like we're inundated with new and ongoing threats to animals, so it's important not to lose sight of the victories. Here are a few of the important achievements from the last year that are worth celebrating:

1) The European Union Cosmetics Directive. As of March, the latest amendment to the EU's policy on cosmetics phased out the use of animals in testing beauty products and toiletries for acute toxicity. Long-term toxicity tests are set to become illegal in 2013. While the directive doesn't ban the sale of cosmetics tested on animals in other areas of the world, it's an important step in the right direction. The EU has paved the way for other countries to pass similar bans, limiting the options for companies that want to continue animal testing, and it's driving the market to find, and use, more humane alternatives.

2) Freedom for India's Elephants. The Central Zoo Authority in India issued a directive that frees elephants from zoos and circuses. The elephants will be sent to national parks and sanctuaries. The directive doesn't affect elephants used for work or those kept in temples. But, again, it's a positive change, and not just for the elephants getting a taste of freedom. When people can only go to natural parks to see elephants in the open, instead of cooped up in zoos, it will foster a greater appreciation for where these endangered animals belong, and I suspect it will become less and less acceptable to keep elephants for any reason.

3) Animal Protection Across the States. This year, a number of laws were passed to protect animals across the United States. California banned the practice of docking cows' tails. Connecticut passed the "Puppy Lemon Law" which forces pet shops to be more transparent about where their puppies are from and makes pet stores and breeders take more responsibility for their puppies. New York passed the Humane Euthanasia bill. Maine passed a law prohibiting confinement of pigs in gestation crates and calves in veal crates. Michigan also passed an anti-confinement law that included battery cages for egg-laying hens (the first phase-out of its type in the country). Oregon banned exotic pets. For these and other victories, check out HSUS's Top 12 State Legislative Acheivements for the year.

4) Race Tracks Continue Their Rapid Decline. In addition to the last dog track in Wisconsin closing, tracks in Arizona and Massachusetts are also shutting down at the end of this year. Greyhound racing is still legal in Arizona, but the new year marks the end of dog racing in Massachusetts. Horse racing is struggling, too. The Chocktaw Nation in Oklahoma closed their track at the end of the season, joining several tracks that shut down in 2008, and others around the country are cutting races next year to try to survive. Victoria banned steeplechase, leaving only one state in Australia that still allows jump racing.

5) Italy's Breed Ban Repeal. I've talked about this before, but it's worth mentioning again because not only does it change the landscape for dogs in Italy, every victory against breed specific legislation is a step closer to addressing the real problem of irresponsible dog ownership and a step away from scapegoating pit bulls. Every ban that passes fuels the fire for other cities and countries; every ban that's repealed throws a bucket of water on the flames.

Photo credit: Yvonne_in_Willowick_Ohio