Animal Law, Including Animal Cruelty, Pet Trusts, Custody Battles
Overview of the Animal Welfare Act
Summary of the Animal Welfare Act - Which facilities are covered? Which animals are covered? Which animals are exlcuded? How does the AWA protect animals? What are the AWA regulations? What are the criticisms of the AWA?
What is the Marine Mammal Protection Act?
Brief descrition and definition of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. Which animals are covered, and which actions are prohibited?
First Ag-Gag Laws in United States Are Over Twenty Years Old
Ag-gag laws are in the news in 2012, and many consider Iowa to have the nation's first ag-gag law, but the first ag-gag laws were passed over twenty years ago.
What is the Endangered Species Act?
What is the Endangered Species Act? What is the purpose of the ESA? Which activities are prohibited under the ESA, and which federal agencies administer the ESA?
What is CITES and How Does it Protect Endangered Species?
CITES is an acronym for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. But how does CITES work, and what is or isn't covered by CITES?
Animal Rights Activists File Lawsuit Against AETA
In December of 2011, five animal rights activists filed a lawsuit to try to invalidate the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA). Represented by the Center for Constitutional Rights, they argue that the law is unconstitutional because it violates their rights under the First Amendment and Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
What is Pet Theft and Why Does it Happen?
Organized pet thieves are stealing dogs and cats - any dogs and cats they can get their hands on - for profit and for cruel purposes.
Animal Advocates and Agribusiness Interests Divided on Egg Bill
A bill that would create a uniform national standard for the housing and treatment of egg-laying hens codifies a compromise agreement between The Humane Society of the US and the United Egg Producers.
Limit Laws
"Limit laws" are designed to protect people, pets and neighbors, but animal advocates oppose limit laws because they hurt so many innocent people and pets. There are better ways to achieve the same goals.
Horn Honking, Free Speech, and the First Amendment
Is horn honking considered protected speech under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution? Do free speech rights include horn honking?
Why the 2005 NJ Black Bear Hunt was Illegal
In 2007, a unanimous decision from the NJ Appellate Division declared that New Jersey's 2005 black bear hunt and 2005 black bear management policy were illegal. Here's why.
What are Ag-Gag Laws and Why Are They Dangerous?
Several state legislatures have considered "ag-gag" laws that would protect animal abusers and punish whistleblowers. What are "Ag-Gag" laws, and why are they dangerous?
West Hollywood Passes Fur Ban
West Hollywood, CA is poised to become the first city in the world to ban the sale of fur.
What is Poaching?
Whether an activity constitutes "poaching" will vary in different jurisdictions.
TX Court: Pets Have a Special Value
A Texas Court has held that pets have a "special value" above and beyond market value, but still considers pets to be property.
Mitt Romney's VP Pick, Paul Ryan is an Avid Bowhunter
Mitt Romney's running mate in the 2012 presidential election is Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, an avid bowhunter.
Free Trade and Animals
Free trade agreements are supposed to benefit the signatory countries economically, but how do they affect non-human animals?
Why is the term “guardian” preferable to “owner”?
The state of Rhode Island and several towns across the U.S. have changed the word “owner” to “guardian” in their laws relating to companion animals.
National Center for Animal Law
The National Center for Animal Law is part of Lewis & Clark Law School.
Great Ape Standing and Personhood
GRASP seeks legal personhood status for great apes as a step towards legal personhood for other animals.
Overview of State Anti-Cruelty Statutes
An overview of state animal cruelty statutes, from the Animal Legal & Historical Center of the Michigan State University College of Law.
The Obama Administration's Animal Protection Record
Where does President Barack Obama stand on animal rights issues, and what is his administration's animal rights record? This article will be updated continuously throughout Obama's administration.
Are Animal Fostering and Rescue Expenses Tax-Deductible?
Are animal fostering and rescue expenses tax-deductible? After a June, 2011 U.S. Tax Court decision, it depends on several factors.
Overview of Pet Trusts
An overview of pet trusts, or how to provide for your companion animals in your will. See if your state has adopted legislation to allow pet trusts.
Animal Law Bibliography
Compilation of new and notable legal resources on animal rights and welfare.
Federal Court Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act
On March 12, 2013, the U.S. District Court in the District of Massachusetts dismissed a lawsuit by five animal activists, which challenges the constitutionality of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act.