When thousands of farmed animals cannot evacuate, the system needs to change
In summary: On many large-scale farms, tens of thousands of animals may be housed in a single facility. During a fast-moving barn fire, wildfire, extreme heat event, flood, or power failure, there may be no practical way to move every animal to safety. Approximately 165,000 chickens died in a recent Abbotsford barn fire. Weeks later, at least 20,000 pigs died in a fire at an industrial farm in southern Ontario. Current industry codes of practice generally call for farms to have emergency plans, but do not require proof that those plans can protect every animal. TAKE ACTION: Sign now…
The Calgary Stampede hasn’t answered: what happened to the animals in 2026?
The VHS is raising concerns about transparency and accountability at the Stampede and about a…
Cold-blooded & complex: what new research says about reptile care
“The study … shows how limited the evidence is, and how much more research is…
Podcast: An animal-friendly summer break with Erin Ryan
All episodes In this episode of The Informed Animal Ally podcast, Vancouver Humane Society Communications…
Making a kinder world: Because They Matter
Several hundred residents of the Downtown Eastside community visited the Because They Matter table in…
New study finds calves show signs of fear and stress before calf-roping events even begin
Image: Jo-Anne McArthur \ We Animals Media A new peer-reviewed study adds to the growing…
Another controversial Calgary Stampede comes to a close, but animal welfare concerns remain
At the 2026 Calgary Stampede, rodeo and chuckwagon events continued to put animals at risk of…
Two chuckwagons collided at Saturday’s chuckwagon race, leading to serious injury for horse
Photo: Reddit user thicketcosplay During a Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby chuckwagon race on July 11,…
As the 2026 Calgary Stampede begins, the VHS continues to call for an end to inhumane rodeo and deadly chuckwagon races
Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media. The 2026 Calgary Stampede is underway from July…
The 2026 B.C. rodeo season is underway and so are efforts to end inhumane rodeo events
The start of B.C.’s 2026 rodeo season has brought renewed animal welfare and safety concerns,…
The Protecting Victims Act passes in Canada!
Quick summary The Protecting Victims Act received Royal Assent to become law in Canada last…
Theo is walking again!
Brave Theo is back to his adventures after a scary couple of weeks. Before Theo…
Another North American city bans horse-drawn carriages
https://www.phillyvoice.com/philadelphia-horse-carriage-ride-ban Philadelphia made history last week when City Council voted to formally ban horse-drawn carriage…
Podcast: Can better support keep more animals in loving homes?
All episodes In this episode of The Informed Animal Ally podcast, Vancouver Humane Society Communications…
A major win for exotic cats!
Wild cats like servals, leopard cats, and ocelots belong in the wild, not in private…
The work to protect farmed animals continues
Major horse slaughterhouse closes Photo: Canadian Horse Defence Coalition A major step forward for farmed…
Exposing the harms faced by animals in entertainment
To many people, a day at the rodeo, a night at the races, a holiday…
Because They Matter returns this summer
For many people, a beloved animal is family, comfort, safety, and home.That bond is at…
Humane societies across B.C. unite to support animals and families
When people face challenges caring for a beloved companion animal, finding help can feel overwhelming….
Reptiles show signs of stress, repetitive behaviours in captivity
https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2026/04/opinion-melanie-denomme-discusses-repetitive-behaviours-in-reptiles/ New research finds repetitive behaviours in reptiles New research shared by a Biological Sciences…
Canadians eating fewer animal products to save at the till as grocery prices rise
https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/04/28/household-spending-food-increasing-canadians-eating-more-vegetarian/ As grocery prices increase, more Canadians are turning to budget-friendly plant-based foods, according a…
CBC interview: Demand for veterinary assistance soars
The VHS’s McVitie Fund, which provides emergency veterinary assistance to pets in urgent need, has…
165,000 chickens perish in Abbotsford’s deadliest barn fire in more than 10 years
https://abbynews.com/2026/05/22/video-165000-chickens-perish-in-abbotsfords-deadliest-barn-fire-in-more-than-10-years/ We are deeply saddened to hear of the devastating loss of 165,000 chickens in…
Fishes suffer “excruciating pain” for at least 10 minutes after catch
https://www.earth.com/news/fish-suffer-excruciating-pain-when-killed-by-air-asphyxiation-during-catch-process/ A new study published in Scientific Reports and featured in an article from Earth.com…
New Westminster can make plant-based food part of its climate plan
New Westminster is asking residents and businesses to comment on its draft Climate Change Adaptation…
Welfare concerns renewed after fall involving horse and rider during bucking event at Cloverdale Rodeo
Image credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals. Bucking event at Calgary Stampede. A horse and…
Have your say: Canada’s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle
The National Farm Animal Care Council’s (NFACC) Beef Code of Practice outlines guidelines for the…
Podcast: PlantUniversity’s campus advocacy, UBC VegFest, and expanding plant-based eating
All episodes In this episode of The Informed Animal Ally podcast, Vancouver Humane Society Communications Director Chantelle…
Your gift for pets will be matched this Mother’s Day
Donate to help pets like Mini and double your gift! To send an e-card with…
Beneath the surface: The hidden welfare crisis of pet fish
Bright aquariums filled with colourful fishes are often seen as calming, decorative additions to a…
Ontario racecourse ends horse racing
https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/rideau-carleton-raceway-ending-horse-racing-program/ Following the closure of both B.C.’s active horse racing tracks in 2025, another racecourse…