(FARM ANIMALS) LOS ANGELES – The National Museum of Animals & Society (NMAS) has just launched an online exhibit entitled “Un-Cooped: Deconstructing the Domesticated Chicken." The one-of-a-kind display, which features a variety of media from 16 artists, challenges the way people perceive the often overlooked chicken. "Un-Cooped" sheds light on how poorly chickens are treated and introduces them as unique individuals. Continue reading for more on the domesticated fowl of the hour and this groundbreaking exhibit. — Global Animal

(POLITICS) TENNESSEE — Score one for free speech, and animal welfare. After lengthy consideration, Governor Bill Haslam has decided to veto Tennessee’s Ag Gag bill. Haslam’s decision rests on his claim that the bill is “constitutionally suspect.” Although agriculture remains the top industry in Tennessee, Governor Haslam recognizes that the bill could potential violate a number of constitutional rights. Continue reading below to find out what the future holds for Ag Gag bills in Tennessee, and how the state intends to handle them. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL WELFARE) Due to strong public outrage, hen cages were expected to be a thing of the past by now as most people realize how awful and debilitating the condition of a cramped metal cage can be for these poor chickens who are forced to spend their entire lives in captivity. But instead of listening to their consumers, the chicken/egg industries are pushing legislation that would allow "furnished" cages. PETA writes, "the United Egg Producers industry is pushing federal legislation that would trade one cruel metal cage for another, and their bill could never be challenged or changed by state law or public vote...Misleadingly named 'furnished' cages can house as many as 60 birds." Many animal welfare groups are settling for this compromise arguing that a bigger cage is better than a small cage. Unfortunately, even though the dimensions of the metal cell may change, the cramped, claustrophobic conditions of being housed with too many other chickens remains the same. Watch the video below for more information and find out how you can get involved. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL RIGHTS) After over a year of waiting for the Department of Agriculture to approve of its inhumane operation, the dreaded horse slaughterhouse in Roswell, New Mexico will soon be opening its doors. Unless Congress steps in and reinstates the federal ban on the cruel practice which lapsed in 2011, Valley Meat Co. will become the first domestic horse slaughterhouse since 2006. Read on to lean more about the ongoing emotional debate and sign the petition urging the U.S. Agriculture Secretary to stop horse slaughter from resuming. — Global Animal

(FARM) Ag-gag bills that criminalize whistleblowing on factory farms are sweeping the nation. Five states have already implemented these types of laws with many others considering similar legislation. Undercover investigations on farms and slaughterhouses have played a crucial role in exposing animal abuse in the agricultural industry, yet these same investigations have been criticized for manipulating footage ultimately harming farm owners and workers. Read on to learn about the many different points that are being argued for both sides of the ag-gag discussion. — Global Animal

(CELEBRITY ACTIVISM) This past week, president of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Wayne Pacelle appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to discuss Ag Gag bills. Both Pacelle and DeGeneres called attention to the horrors behind factory farming and asked viewers to recognize how Ag Gag laws would keep farming operations in the dark. If these bills are put into effect, both the treatment of animals and the quality of food could drastically deteriorate. Continue reading to find out more on what Ellen is doing to fight these Ag Gag bills. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL WELFARE) The phrase, “you are what you eat,” may be more frightening than ever before. The agriculture industry hasn’t exactly been known for their conscientious treatment of livestock, but recent missteps might mean a great deal for your health as well. The majority of animals raised for food are forced to take a number of antibiotics with the sole purpose of making the animals larger, but not necessarily healthier. This incessant use of antibiotics allows bacteria to evolve, leading to a number of superbugs like salmonella and E. coli. These superbugs are extremely resilient to antibiotics used on livestock, and often times make their way onto our dinner tables. The ethical treatment of livestock remains an important issue for the animals’ health as well as our own. Read the article below to find out more on how the treatment of livestock directly affects you. — Global Animal

(POLITICS) The federal government is implementing a new livestock identification program to streamline the process of tracking and investigating cases of disease in livestock. This new system will help agriculture and health officials track the transportation of animals and quickly establish quarantines and other preventative measures to control the spread of disease. Ranchers and farmers are expected to mostly use ID ear tags which will also benefit companies who want to be able to trace back where their food came from. Continue reading for more on the new federal legislation and one rancher's response to this new program. — Global Animal