(ANIMAL RIGHTS) Just before a bill banning the import and sale of foie gras was set to undergo its first reading for the legislative branch of the Israeli government on Wednesday morning, two ministers filed an appeal to bring the legislation back to the cabinet late Tuesday night. The bill received approval on Sunday in the Ministerial Committee on Legislation and was slated to prohibit the trade of foie gras. Animal-rights activists are enraged by the efforts of the two ministers, Agriculture Minister Yair Shamir and Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch—both of whom claim that the bill was needed to prevent economic damage. Read on to learn more on the unfortunate news. — Global Animal

(CIRCUS ANIMALS) Following a six-year public campaign led by Animal Defenders International (ADI), Colombia announced a ban on wild animals in all circuses—traveling or stationary. The Colombian Congress passed Bill 244,2012 after the release of critical evidence of significant animal suffering, including scientific reviews and undercover investigations, collected by investigators from ADI. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL POLITICS) Earlier this week, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposal that would classify all chimpanzees as endangered. Chimps in the wild are currently considered to be endangered, yet those in captivity are only listed as threatened. The new motion should have a positive impact on chimps used in medical research and as pets. The current split-listing of the species has allowed for the improper commercial trade and use of the primate, who faces extinction. Keep reading for more on chimpanzees and the positive proposal. — Global Animal

(WOLVES) While being taken off of the endangered species list may seem ideal for any decreasing species, for an animal such as the gray wolf, it could potentially be a death sentence. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service formally proposed removing the gray wolf from the list of threatened and endangered species, noting that 6,100 wolves now roam the contiguous United States. Although the wolf population has made a promising recovery over the years, the truth is they haven't yet ensured their stability as a species. Taking the gray wolf off the endangered species list would allow the hunting of these beautiful animals, destroying the progress they've made over the years. Click the link below and discover the harsh future facing the gray wolf. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL LAWS) A law concerning exotic animal ownership in Ohio has private owners up in arms. Ohio has had its share of controversy over exotic animal laws ever since 48 animals were killed after a man convicted of animal cruelty released his veritable zoo and then shot himself in 2011. The incident brought about a law which more strictly regulates the possession of wild animals. A federal judge in Columbus decided to uphold the law last year, but owners still appealed it, claiming the law violates the First and Fifth Amendments. It seems the problem lies with owners not willing to cooperate with zoological groups in order to meet the new requirements. Read on to find out more about the ongoing debate. — Global Animal

(SHELTER PETS) Governor John Hickenlooper of Colorado has signed a bill making shelter animals the state's official pet. The significant moment appropriately took place at a Denver animal shelter, where Hickenlooper also brought his rescue dog named Sky along for the signing. Unfortunately this positive move was not approved by everyone. Read on to find out why some find the governor's decision controversial. — Global Animal 

(ANIMAL CRUELTY) AUSTRALIA — Many Australian activists may be starting to question how well their government handles disturbingly gruesome acts of animal cruelty. Although the country’s jail sentences for aggravated cruelty towards animals range from 2 to 5 years, the full penalties are rarely invoked, with some abusers getting off without serving any jail time at all. Perhaps the most disturbing knowledge surrounding these issues is the fact that extreme violence towards animals often later manifests in extreme violence toward humans. If the Australian Government sticks to tougher penalties for animal abusers, it could very well diminish the number of severe abuse cases the country faces. Continue reading to find out how Australia has handled specific cases of ruthless cruelty, and to see where the legal problems may be residing. — Global Animal

(CAPTIVE DOLPHINS) Hooray for cetaceans! Late last week, India banned the exploitation of dolphins for entertainment purposes and is now the largest of four countries, including Costa Rica, Hungary, and Chile, to prohibit the practice. In many parts of the world, dolphin shows are big business—which begs the question: what compelled India to make this decision? Due to the dolphin's high level of intelligence, Indian regulators have deemed the cetaceans as "non-human persons" with specific rights and freedoms. Read on for more about this compassionate piece of legislation, which is a major step in the right direction. — Global Animal