In The News
Washington’s wild animal bill: A big step toward ending traveling animal acts
Jan 14, 2025 - Big changes could be coming to Washington’s circuses and traveling shows. Senate Bill 5065, which got its first hearing on Tuesday, takes aim at the use of wild animals in traveling entertainment.
Lawmakers pass legislation that would prohibit octopus farming in Washington
LYNNWOOD TIMES - OLYMPIA, Wash., Mar 4 2024 - Both the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives passed HB 1153 last month that, if signed by Governor Jay Inslee, will prevent octopus farming in Washington State.
Washington State Considers Animal Testing Ban
Cosmetics & Toiletries - Feb 23rd, 2024 - According to a report by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Washington state is considering a bill to protect against animal testing for cosmetic products. H.B. 1097, if enacted, would ban manufacturers from selling or offering for sale cosmetics developed or manufactured using animal testing in Washington state beginning on Jan. 1, 2025.
Bill to Ban Octopus Farming in Washington State Heads to Gov. Inslee's desk
KATU2 - OLYMPIA, Wash. — Octopus farming in Washington state may soon be banned after the Senate voted 29-20 Tuesday, sending the legislation to Gov. Jay Inslee's desk.
Multiple animal rights bills head to Senate after overwhelming House passage
Lynnwood Times - Feb 7 2024 -Three new animal protection and justice bills head to the Washington State Senate after overwhelming passage in House in January.
House votes to ban octopus farming in Washington state, moving bill to Senate
NBC 16 KMTR - OLYMPIA, Wash. — Feb 7 2024 - Octopus farming in Washington state may soon be banned.
On Wednesday, the Washington State House of Representatives passed legislation to prevent the practice statewide. House Bill 1153, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Strom Peterson of Edmonds, passed through the House floor with a vote of 70-27.
3 bills pass Washington House that could protect animals, alter makeup sales
KIRO 7 - Three bills have passed the Washington State House of Representatives that are aimed at protecting animals.
Hawaii, Washington move to ban octopus farms
Yahoo! News - Hawaii and Washington state are looking to shut down or outright ban octopus farms, with the former recently ordering the closure of a controversial facility.
House votes to ban octopus farming in Washington state, moving bill to Senate
KOMO News - Feb 7 2024 - Octopus farming in Washington state may soon be banned. On Wednesday, the Washington State House of Representatives passed legislation to prevent the practice statewide. House Bill 1153, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Strom Peterson of Edmonds, passed through the House floor with a vote of 70-27.
Legislature considers bill to ban fur farms, production, sale in Washington
MyNorthwest News - January 15 2022 - A bill in the state House of Representatives would outlaw the farming of foxes, minks, and other animals for fur in Washington.
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Work of legislators, groups to protect animals appreciated
Everett Herald - Mar 7 2024 - By Wendy Linton - I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Washington state lawmakers for their forward-thinking and compassionate actions in passing bills that protect our clean economy and promote animal welfare. Special thanks to Reps. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland, and Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds.
Ban on octopus farming: A step toward a more compassionate state
The Seattle Times - Feb. 29, 2024 - By Joshua Diamond - I am extremely pleased to see that the Washington Senate passed a globally groundbreaking bill — House Bill 1153 — this week to pre-emptively prohibit octopus farming in our state, thus sending it to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk for a signature.
Protect the Octopus
Port Townsend Leader - February 21 2024 - By Wendy Linton - As a long-time resident of Washington, I am deeply concerned about the potential establishment of octopus farms in our state. It’s essential to recognize that we currently have no octopus farms here, and the one that existed in Hawaii was shut down following animal cruelty investigations.
Octopus Farms Should Be Banned Before They Open In State
Everett Herald - February 9 2024 - By Joshua Diamond - Our state House of Representatives should overwhelmingly pass House Bill 1153, first-of-its-kind- globally legislation that would preemptively prohibit the operation of octopus farms in Washington.
Don’t let Hawaii Get Factory Octopus Farms
Honolulu Star Advertiser - Dec 11 2023 - By Amanda Fox - I write with grave concern regarding the emergence of factory octopus farms planning experiments on octopus breeding, confinement and slaughter using ice baths at -3 degrees Celsius.
State Should Pass Bill to Ban Octopus Farming here
Everett Herald - Feb 15 2023 - By Joshua Diamond - The state Legislature should help burnish Washington's claims to be a haven for inclusion and progressive values and pass the pioneering bill.
Aquaculture Farms of Octopus are Cruel, Unsustainable
Whidbey News Times - Mar 1 2023 - By Shaina Rae - Octopuses are widely recognized as the smartest invertebrate in the world, even being known to outsmart humans and escape enclosures. We love them so much, we even named our hockey team after them. While it’s tempting to view them solely as a source of food and entertainment, it’s important to consider the implications of the growth of commercial octopus farming.
