Amsterdam bans meat adverts in public spaces

Amsterdam has just become the first capital city in the world to ban meat advertising in public spaces

I hope you’re having a great February so far. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, this time of year can start to feel a little long and drawn out, especially with the prospect of Spring nudging slightly closer each day. But, even though the weather can be a bit gloomy and dark this time of year, and if you’re in the UK damp and rainy, there are still positive things happening for animals that can provide us with an uplifting reminder of the progress that’s being made.

So, without further delay, here is a selection of the recent good news stories involving animals.

The Good News Roundup is a regular instalment from me where I cover positive news stories from around the world that relate to veganism and animals. If you’ve been in need of a reminder that good things are happening for animals, then hit subscribe.

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🥩❌ Amsterdam becomes first capital city to ban meat and fossil fuel adverts

Last month, I shared the brilliant news that the Netherlands banned the public sale of fireworks, reducing harm and distress for animals. Now there’s even more to celebrate. Amsterdam has just become the first capital city in the world to ban meat advertising in public spaces.

On January 22, councillors approved amendments to local bylaws banning adverts for meat products across public areas - including billboards and bus shelters - in a move to align the city’s streets with its climate and health goals. The ban also covers fossil fuel advertising.

The proposal, jointly tabled by GroenLinks (Green/Left) and the Partij voor de Dieren (Party for the Animals), passed with 27 of 45 council votes. Amsterdam now joins Dutch cities such as Utrecht and Zwolle in restricting meat and fossil fuel advertising, while shopkeepers will still be allowed to advertise products on their own premises.

Public spaces reflect our values - and it’s incredible to see the city of Amsterdam walking the walk instead of just talking the talk.

🇰🇷🐻 South Korea outlaws cruel bear bile trade

As of the 1st of January 2026, the ownership, breeding, and trade of bears and bear parts has been made illegal in South Korea, bringing to an end the country’s bear bile industry. This absolutely horrific practice involved confining moon bears in tiny cages and extracting bile from their gallbladder using highly invasive, painful methods.

Bear bile has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, but commercial farming began in China during the 1980s. At its peak, the industry in South Korea held about 1,000 bears. Today, fewer than 200 remain, scattered across 11 farms. So far, 21 bears have been relocated to a government-run sanctuary, and there are ongoing negotiations to rehome the rest.

While bear bile farming is still legally allowed in China, this is a significant step towards the end of this cruel industry.

Environment Minister Kim Sungwhan said: “Our plan to end bear farming business is an implementation of our country’s resolve to improve the welfare of wild animals and fulfil our related international responsibility…We will strive to protect bears until the last one.”

Here’s hoping that all the bears are sent to good homes and that South Korea starts to implement more legal changes to protect animals.

Animals Asia Bear Rescue Center in Vietnam

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🐦 Swift bricks to be installed on all new buildings in Scotland

A new law requiring all new buildings to include swift bricks has been passed in Scotland. Swifts are iconic migratory birds that travel from sub-Saharan Africa to the UK each spring to breed, but the UK’s population has fallen by two-thirds since 1995, largely due to a loss of nesting places and human encroachment.

Swift bricks are hollow bricks that provide a perfect home for swifts, as well as other cavity-nesting birds like sparrows, starlings and house martins. At around £30 each, they offer a simple, affordable, and highly effective way to protect birds. In Gibraltar, where swift bricks are incorporated into planning policy, populations have shown steady growth.

Even in our busiest cities, this initiative proves we can design spaces that support both humans and wildlife, reminding us that peaceful coexistence is both possible and necessary.

Image: RSPB

From the streets of Amsterdam, to the sanctuaries of South Korea and the rooftops of Scotland, meaningful change for animals is happening everywhere, showing what’s possible when humans take responsibility. I hope you feel inspired by these stories, and that they create a ripple effect, encouraging more cities, communities, and individuals to take action.