By John Di Leonardo
As we begin 2026, it is a natural moment for reflection — not only on what we have accomplished, but on how our daily choices and collective actions shape the world around us.
At Humane Long Island, this past year was guided by a simple but powerful principle deeply rooted in South Asian and Jain traditions: ahimsa, nonviolence toward all living beings. When animals had no voice, we chose to speak. When cruelty was hidden, we brought it into the light.
Through relentless investigations and advocacy, Humane Long Island brought the truth to the public in nearly 200 media stories this year. Our work reached audiences across New York and beyond, landing on the covers of Newsday and amNewYork, with major features in the New York Post, Long Island Press, Dan’s Papers, and live, in-studio coverage on Fox News. These stories were not about headlines — they were about lives. By exposing abuse, neglect, and institutional failures, we forced accountability where silence once prevailed.
In partnership with law enforcement, we helped remove hundreds of animals from horrific conditions. Nearly 400 animals were rescued from Double D Bar Ranch – a pseudosanctuary facing 112 counts of animal cruelty – and another 206 were removed from the home of a rogue wildlife rehabilitator who was arrested for animal cruelty and endangering the welfare of an elderly person. Dozens more were saved from backyard breeding operations, neglect cases, and illegal slaughterhouses. Birds, rabbits, cats, and dogs — many injured, sick, or close to death — were given a second chance at life. Each rescue was a reminder that compassion is not abstract; it is action.
True compassion must also be systemic. Because of sustained advocacy, the Town of Brookhaven voted 7–0 to permanently close the Holtsville Ecology Site, a roadside zoo operating on an uncapped landfill. A group associated with Sloth Encounters — an unlawfully operated wild animal petting zoo and pet store that we shuttered in 2024 — failed in its attempt to take over the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. Suffolk County strengthened enforcement of its Animal Abuse Registry, a law that helped jail a repeat animal abuser who had previously killed a dog and violated a court-ordered ban. These were not symbolic victories; they were permanent, life-saving changes.
Ahimsa also means to care for one another. This year, Humane Long Island distributed thousands of pounds of plant-based food to community members facing food insecurity, while also providing thousands of pounds of companion animal food to struggling families, rescues, and sanctuaries. By keeping animals fed and families together, we helped prevent suffering before it began.
Our work extended far beyond Long Island. From leading protests against the deadly Iditarod dog sled race in Alaska, to exposing the cruelty of New York City’s live slaughter markets, to educating audiences about the realities of the dairy industry and humane, non-lethal wildlife solutions, we ensured cruelty did not remain hidden.
This year, we rescued rare orange lobsters from grocery store tanks and returned them to the ocean. We saved turkeys, a bunny, and countless birds from live slaughter markets. And just weeks ago, we rescued Honey, a puppy pulled from the “forgotten dogs room” of a Long Island puppy mill. Today, she is safe, healing, and preparing for her forever home.
In the Anuvrat tradition, small vows lead to profound change. As we enter the new year, may we continue to live with intention, empathy, and courage — and always strive to be the change. For this week’s Anuvrat, I invite you to support our efforts to build a more humane Long Island and a more humane world by signing up for our newsletter or learning more at HumaneLI.org.
John Di Leonardo is the founding director of Humane Long Island. He was previously the Senior Manager of Grassroots Campaigns and Animals in Entertainment Campaigns for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). He has a Master's degree in Anthrozoology from Canisius College. He also earned a graduate certificate in Jain Studies from the International School of Jain Studies (ISJS) in India. John can be reached at [email protected].
