The Animal Welfare Paradox
A Three-Part Investigative Series by Kaia Africanis
For several years, I investigated laboratory animal violations firsthand—documenting cruelty, collecting evidence, and ultimately helping bring down EnVigo, one of the largest commercial breeders of dogs and other animals used in testing. I’ve seen what happens to animals behind closed doors. I’ve also seen how public messaging can manipulate compassion while masking deeper harm.
In 2025, the Trump administration revived its campaign to end animal testing in federal labs. On the surface, it’s a compassionate, long-overdue reform. But behind the headlines, critical protections for wildlife and the environment are being stripped away—silently, and swiftly.
This three-part investigative series explores the contradiction: can an administration truly claim to protect animals while simultaneously destroying the wildlands and laws that sustain them?
Part 1: Lab Animals Saved—But At What Cost?
The Trump administration is reviving its push to end government animal testing—but is it masking deeper harm?
Part 2: While Lab Doors Close, Wildlands Burn
Behind the animal testing headlines, the administration is gutting protections for wildlife and their habitats.
Part 3: The Politics of Selective Compassion
Animal welfare reforms are being weaponized while Project 2025 and corporate lobbying gut environmental protections.