Update Legal Blog

ALDF Update Legal Blog features summaries of animal law cases, brought by ALDF, ALDF attorney members and other practicing attorneys. Additionally, Update highlights important legal cases and developments at the state, federal, and international level.

Past issues of Update are available as PDF downloads: Winter 2010, Summer 2009, Winter 2009, Summer 2008, Winter 2008, Winter 2007, Summer 2006.

Each and Every Animal Matters in a Criminal Investigation of Animal Abuse
by Diane Balkin, ALDF Attorney
June 25th, 2012
Criminal justice involving a crime against an animal should literally mean that each and every animal is significant and is worth the time, energy, and investment of a thorough investigation.
The Prosecution of Animal Cruelty Cases - An Ethical Imperative
by Geoff Fleck, ALDF Attorney
May 29th, 2012
I've written in the past about how important it is for animal cruelty prosecutors to "take the high road" and be scrupulously ethical. As I've studied and considered the issue further, it has occurred to me that an even more fundamental ethical issue presents itself with disturbing frequency -- the failure of prosecutors to prosecute animal cruelty adequately or at all.
Making Sense of the Current Status of the Tony the Tiger Cases
by Matthew Liebman, ALDF Staff Attorney
May 14th, 2012
Will Tony stay or will he go?
Tougher Cockfighting Penalties Proposed in California
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
May 10th, 2012
San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael A. Ramos and Senator Bill Emmerson, R-Hemet, recently addressed state legislators on SB 1145, a bill that seeks to increase the fines levied against participants and spectators of illegal cockfights.
The Greater Catch
by Tom Linney, Animal Law Program Staff Attorney
April 30th, 2012
Several months ago I read a story in the newspaper that stuck with me. It was about a man that shot and killed a 14-foot, 880-pound alligator in Texas. It wasn't the subject of the article that stuck with me, but rather the profession of the man that killed the alligator. He was an attorney.
Minnesota Should Ban Cruel Rodeo Events
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
April 26th, 2012
Steer tailing and horse tripping are tortuous events that have been banned in California and at least eight other states. It is time for the Minnesota State Legislature to step up and ban these rodeo activities. They are animal cruelty, plain and simple.
From Behind a Minivan to Under the Bus: Abusing Both a 9-Month-Old Colt and the Post-Conviction Relief Act
by Scott Heiser, Director of ALDF's Criminal Justice Program
April 16th, 2012
Michael A. Tabor of Branson, Missouri tied a 9-month-old colt to the back of a minivan and drove at speeds approaching 35 MPH. The reason? He wanted to halter break this poor young horse.
San Antonio Holds Kennel Court
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
April 12th, 2012
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that "Every Friday morning, a small courtroom in this Texas city becomes a kennel of jurisprudence." The city has indeed found a novel way of dealing with the animal-related cases that were on the rise.
Debate over Lone Wolf's Crossing into California
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
April 5th, 2012
Around New Year's Day, OR7, a lone gray wolf from a pack in Oregon, crossed into Northern California, making him the first such wolf in California in nearly 90 years. Now California has been thrust into the debate about how to manage gray wolves.
Wildlife Investigators in California and Other States Crack Down on Rhino Trade
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
March 29th, 2012
Several federal wildlife investigators cracked an international smuggling ring that trafficked for years in sawed-off rhinoceros horns, which fetch stratospheric prices in Vietnam and China for their supposed cancer-curing powers.
Bill of Rights for Dolphins, Porpoises, and Whales Proposed
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
March 23rd, 2012
Because dolphins, porpoises, and whales are so intelligent and should be regarded as "non-human persons," a group of scientists, ethicists, and animal welfare groups has proposed a bill of rights for them, advocating for greater protection under the law.
Wisconsin's "Windchill's Law" Reintroduced
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
March 9th, 2012
Last year, "Windchill's Law" was introduced in the Wisconsin Senate, but it fizzled as the legislative session ended. In a continued effort to strengthen animal abuse laws, state legislators are trying to revive the bill during the current legislative session.
Iowa Supports Factory Farmers and Passes Ag Gag Law
by Matthew Liebman, ALDF Staff Attorney
March 5th, 2012
On March 2, Iowa governor Terry Branstad caved to the factory farming industries and signed House File 589, an "ag gag" law designed to keep the public in the dark about the cruelty that pervades modern animal agriculture.
Bringing Veterinarians into the Fight Against Animal Cruelty
by Diane Balkin, ALDF Attorney
March 5th, 2012
In order to effectively prosecute those who harm animals there needs to be a collaborative effort among agencies and individuals. Animal cruelty cases are unique because none of the "victims" are able to tell the authorities what happened. Therefore, there is a need for the expertise of a veterinarian or other animal health care professional in nearly every case.
Breed Specific Law is Out in Ohio!
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
February 29th, 2012
Culminating a great effort to bring breed specific legislation to an end in Ohio, on February 21st, Governor John Kasich officially signed HB 14 into law. Dogs will now to be regarded by their behavior instead of their appearance.
Good Samaritans Rescue Hibernating Snakes
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
February 15th, 2012
Chris Kubic, a high school social studies teacher, and his wife, Jennifer, recently noticed construction going on at a decommissioned nuclear power plant in Lake County, Illinois. Kubic, who is familiar with the snakes at Illinois Beach State Park, adjacent to the power plant, recognized that many hibernating snakes could be endangered if construction was allowed to continue near railroad tracks at the plant.
Maiming Two Huskies as well as the 6th Amendment?
by Geoff Fleck, ALDF Attorney
February 6th, 2012
In May 2008, Christopher Comins shot two Siberian husky dogs that had come onto an Orange County, Florida property where Comins happened to be walking.
Peacefully Coexisting with Coyotes in Claremont, California
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
February 3rd, 2012
In January, the City of Claremont, California announced that coyotes will be a "New Priority Project" for 2012.
Snickers the Service Dog is Back Home After Running Afoul of Aurelia, Iowa's Ordinance Banning Pit Bulls
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
February 1st, 2012
After relocated to Aurelia, Iowa, the Saks learned that they had an unwelcome family member, Snickers, a service dog.
Raising the Floor of Animal Treatment at Factory Farms
by Chris Berry, ALDF's Litigation Fellow
January 20th, 2012
Farmed animals have been left unprotected from cruelty laws for too long.
Time Out for a Tummy Rub?
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
January 13th, 2012
Law school is meant to be punishing, and finding ways to relieve stress while earning a J.D. can be elusive. So it is quite encouraging that some law schools have introduced warm hearts, cold noses, and four paws to help students get through these stress-filled days.
New Florida Law Bans Killing of Some Sharks
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
January 9th, 2012
With the support of marine scientists, environmental groups, and the International Game Fish Association, which keeps track of all sport fishing records, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted in November to protect tiger sharks, smooth hammerheads, scalloped hammerheads, and great hammerheads.
Peacefully Coexisting with Coyotes
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
January 5th, 2012
One Southern California city trail blazes new ways to deal with their coyote populations.
America's Prosecutors Join ALDF in Opposing an Industry Trying to Suppress the Facts: Factory Farming and Ag Gag
by Scott Heiser, Director of ALDF's Criminal Justice Program
December 27th, 2011
With the steady stream of shocking undercover video documenting abuses of America's "food animals" making it into our regular media diet, I am not at all surprised that the factory meat/egg/dairy industries are trying to suppress the free flow of information about their operations.
Factory Farming: A Dirty Secret
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
December 16th, 2011
Factory farms, also known as concentrated animal feeding operations, house hundreds or thousands of animals in very small spaces. Many of the animals on factory farms live their entire lives in cramped, dirty conditions just eating and excreting.
Supporting the Campaign to Classify Captive Chimpanzees as Endangered
by Neil Abramson, Daniel Saperstein, and Kelly Anne Targett, Proskauer Rose LLP
November 28th, 2011
Current regulations under the Endangered Species Act have created an illogical and self-defeating double standard that grants "wild" chimpanzees vital protections under the Act, while denying "captive" chimpanzees in the United States any protection at all.
Product Testing Moves Away from Animals
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
November 21st, 2011
Allergan, the maker of Botox, had a process approved earlier this year by the Food and Drug Administration that will allow Allergan to test its product on cells in a lab dish, instead of having to test every batch on live animals.
California Strengthens Laws Protecting Animals
by Ian Carr, ALDF's Legislative Affairs Associate
November 18th, 2011
California passed several significant bills into law targeting persons who victimize animals, including the following.
USDA Warns University of Pennsylvania for Its Inadequate Veterinary Care of Animals Used In Research
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
November 16th, 2011
In August 2011, the University of Pennsylvania was issued an official warning letter for its "failure to establish programs of adequate veterinary care" for some of its research animals.
Animals as "Victims" Under Sentencing Guideline Schemes
by Geoff Fleck, ALDF Attorney
November 14th, 2011
Maybe it's time for the legislature of Florida and other states to start explicitly treating animals like the victims they, so very often, tragically are.
To Instill a Respect for Animals, Education is Key
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
October 28th, 2011
An innovative program, "dog owners" who break the law for the first time (dog license, leash law infractions, and the like) are being sentenced to attend a Pet Owner Responsibility Class in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and surrounding Bernalillo County.
Best Interests of the Animal -- A New Statutory Focus
by Stephan Otto, ALDF's Director of Legislative Affairs
October 26th, 2011
By moving towards this next level of laws, we can continue to advance the interests of animals through the legal system and in so doing, help make their lives more valued and meaningful.
Are Factory Farmers Really That Cruel?
by Carter Dillard, ALDF's Director of Litigation
October 24th, 2011
ALDF is now fighting a case in the Supreme Court that shows they are.
Another Historic First in Animal Law
by Pamela Hart, Director of ALDF's Animal Law Program
October 17th, 2011
Lewis & Clark Law School to launch Animal Law LL.M. (Master of Laws) program.
Occupy Wall Street Takes on Corporate Animal Abuse
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
October 7th, 2011
Calls out cruel treatment of nonhuman animals.
Burned Alive: A Case for Mandatory Minimum Sentences in Animal Cruelty Cases
by Scott Heiser, Director of ALDF's Criminal Justice Program
October 3rd, 2011
What you can do help establish mandatory minimum sentences in aggravated forms of animal abuse? Educate yourself and then act
Parma, Ohio is First in State to Add "Guardian" Language to Animal Ordinances
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
September 15th, 2011
Parma, Ohio joins 17 other cities in officially recognizing pets as family members, changing the phrase pet "owner" to pet "guardian" with regard to all animal-related ordinances.
Off-Duty Law Enforcement Officer Kills Neighbor's Chihuahua, States He Feared for His Safety
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
September 1st, 2011
Was Off-Duty Law Enforcement Officer Actually in Fear of his Safety When He Shot and Killed his Neighbor's Chihuahua with a Bow and Arrow? Kansas Prosecutors Don't Think So...
California Shark Fin Ban on its Way to Full Senate
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
August 30th, 2011
The bill outlawing shark fins in the State of California has cleared a big hurdle and is on its way to a final vote by the full Senate.
Cities, States and Landowners Get Tough on Animal Sales
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
August 25th, 2011
The Los Angeles City Council moved to make it illegal to buy animals from vendors on public streets or sidewalks.
The Need to Open Dialogues and Educate
by Geoff Fleck, ALDF Attorney
August 22nd, 2011
As a prosecutor for the past 15 years specializing in animal cruelty cases, I've come to realize that education, i.e., raising sensitivity, is key to making progress in the fight for animal rights.
Los Angeles County Considers Allowing Animal Control, Not Judges, to Label Dogs as Dangerous
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
July 29th, 2011
Los Angeles County supervisors passed a first vote July 19th, to let animal control officers have the right during administrative hearings to decide when a dog should be labeled as dangerous or vicious.
Commercial Shark Fishing Banned in the Bahamas
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
July 27th, 2011
A new law was passed on July 5th in the Bahamas, banning commercial shark fishing.
Ohio Activists Call for Law Making Sexual Assault of Animals a Felony
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
July 13th, 2011
Peter Bower of Shelby, Ohio, was arrested on May 18th, 2011, and charged with two counts of animal cruelty after allegations that he had sex with three companion dogs and possibly a horse owned by a local equestrian center.
Just How Many Bites at the Apple?
by Scott Heiser, Director of ALDF's Criminal Justice Program
July 11th, 2011
We are all familiar with the concept of "double jeopardy." It is in the Fifth Amendment, which states, in relevant part, "nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb[.]"
Keeping an Animal Cruelty Loophole Out of the Wisconsin Budget
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
July 8th, 2011
Despite a huge effort to encourage Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to use his line-item veto power to exclude an unnecessary animal cruelty loophole provision from the state budget, Walker signed the budget on June 26th, 2011, with the provision as written.
Replace Puppy Mill Pets for Sale with Shelter Animals for Adoption
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
June 30th, 2011
Citing growing sentiment against puppy and kitten mills that has led a number of states and communities to adopt legislation regulating these mills, and the stores that provide an outlet for animals bred in substandard conditions, Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz introduced a measure recently seeking to curb the market for such animals.
Missouri Governor Signs Bill Repealing Several Portions of Voter-Approved "Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act"
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
June 20th, 2011
Last November voters in Missouri passed a measure known as Prop. B, approving valuable and much-needed protections for animals throughout the state, which is known as the "Puppy Mill Capital of the United States."
New Oregon Law: Animals Can Be Included in Domestic Violence Protective Orders
by Stephan Otto, ALDF's Director of Legislative Affairs
June 13th, 2011
Since 2003, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has been working on various proposals to ensure that animals may be fully protected within Oregon's domestic violence protective orders (or "restraining orders").
Why Iowa Bill that Bans Undercover Filming at Livestock Farms is a Bad Idea
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
June 6th, 2011
A post on kcrg.com reports that "Opponents of a measure aimed at helping agricultural operations guard against 'gotcha' videos secretly filmed inside livestock operations are raising food safety and other concerns in an attempt to keep House File 589 from reaching Gov. Terry Branstad's desk this legislative session."
A Worldview of Animal Law
by Matthew Liebman, ALDF Staff Attorney
June 2nd, 2011
This week, two Animal Legal Defense Fund attorneys published a first-of-its-kind book, A Worldview of Animal Law, which analyzes legal protections for animals from a global perspective.
Animal Protection Laws, Sixth Edition Just Released!
by Stephan Otto, ALDF's Director of Legislative Affairs
May 25th, 2011
Download the full copy of ALDF's Animal Protection Laws of the United States of America and Canada new edition or instantly view individual jurisdictions on our interactive map.
Greyhound Racing Could be on its Way Out
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
May 13th, 2011
The Los Angeles Times recently reported that the alleged "sport" of greyhound dog racing is in steep decline in America. Animal activists have long fought for the end of such racing, citing the horrendous conditions in which most of the dogs are kept.
Dogfighting Phone App Renamed and Back on Sale on Android System
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
May 12th, 2011
A new app for mobile phones called "Dog Wars" was pulled from the Android market after public outcry only to be reintroduced a few days later under the name "KG Dogfighting."
Peacocks, Dogfighting & Sexual Assault -- A Legislative Update
by Stephan Otto, ALDF's Director of Legislative Affairs
May 9th, 2011
In Hawaii, Peacock "Pests" May Still be Killed, Just Not with Baseball Bats, and Attending a Dogfight Becomes a Felony; Florida Slated to Finally Criminalize the Sexual Assault of Animals
Advocating for Animal-Free Options in School Meal Programs
by Paul M. Hamburger, partner, and Kelly Anne Targett, associate, Proskauer Rose LLP
April 27th, 2011
The Animal Legal Defense Fund files comments regarding the USDA's proposed modifications to the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program which intend to offer healthier food choices to our nation's children.
Crime Victim Bill of Rights and Animal Law
by Scott Heiser, Director of ALDF's Criminal Justice Program
April 18th, 2011
For those who practice animal law, a persistent debate rages on: of the many options available, which legal path is the best course to take to improve the plight of animals in the United States?
Habitat Restored for Endangered Kangaroo Rat in California
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
April 14th, 2011
In Ctr. for Biological Diversity v. United States Fish & Wildlife Serv., 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 2349 (C.D. Cal. Jan. 8, 2011), a challenge was brought to a decision of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which was made under the authority of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq., regarding the "kangaroo rat" and his "critical habitat."
Mississippi Moves Forward: Felony Dog and Cat Cruelty & More
by Stephan Otto, ALDF's Director of Legislative Affairs
April 1st, 2011
A first-offense felony provision didn't survive amendments, nonetheless, newly passed SB 2821 is a definite step forward for Mississippi.
Criminal Animal Cruelty Charges Reinstated in Wisconsin Deer Massacre
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
April 1st, 2011
A Wisconsin court did not buy the recent argument of two brothers that the Wisconsin animal cruelty statute did not apply to their actions in killing several deer, no matter how cruel or senseless, because they were engaged in taking "wild animals."
Encouraging News on the Animal Law Front
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
March 28th, 2011
It is always good to hear when people are working on behalf of the animals, giving a voice to the voiceless. Here is a recent smattering of updates.
Proposed California Law Would Ban Shark Fin Soup
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
March 17th, 2011
AB 376 seeks to outlaw the practice of using shark fins to make the Chinese delicacy, shark fin soup. The bill has the support of conservationists, scientists and environmental groups, as well as sport and commercial fishermen.
Can You Kill a Peacock if He is an Annoying Pest?
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
March 4th, 2011
Last month in Honolulu, Hawaii, Sandra Maloney (age 70) was acquitted by a jury at the end of her trial for second degree animal cruelty after she admitted to killing a peacock with a baseball bat.
Great News from the Western Pacific -- Guam Strengthens its Animal Protection Laws
by Stephan Otto, ALDF's Director of Legislative Affairs
February 28th, 2011
On Feb. 24, the Guam Legislature voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 9 which dramatically strengthens the territory's laws protecting animals. Once the bill is signed into law, Guam will finally join the list of U.S. jurisdictions with felony animal abuse penalties.
President Obama Signs Truth in Fur Labeling Act
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
February 10th, 2011
On December 18th, 2010, President Obama signed the Truth in Fur Labeling Act, a landmark consumer protection law that will restrict the sale of products containing real fur if they are not accompanied by truthful labeling, no matter their cost.
Continued Support Needed for Missouri Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
February 9th, 2011
In November 2010, we reported that voters in Missouri, often infamously referred to as the "puppy mill capital of the nation," passed Proposition B -- the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act. The law is scheduled to go into effect later in 2011, but a fight has now begun to repeal or change the new law.
Time Flies, Yet the Wheels of Justice Grind Slowly
by Scott Heiser, Director of ALDF's Criminal Justice Program
February 7th, 2011
While the appellate opinion in the Kern County, California, Bemis/Trapani case is limited in scope, the underlying casework serves as an excellent example of a prosecutor's need to address three key issues in an animal hoarding prosecution.
Making Headway in Animal Law
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
January 26th, 2011
Most of us reading this blog have always known that our companion animals mean much, much more to us than our iPod or other latest gadget, even though the initial investment to obtain either of them may have been the same. But the law has not been in lockstep with that thinking.
A Comment on the Heidi Erickson Animal Neglect Sentence
by Scott Heiser, Director of ALDF's Criminal Justice Program
January 21st, 2011
Several criticisms were created by the sentence imposed by Plymouth County, Massachusetts District Court Judge Beverly Cannone in the Heidi Erickson animal neglect case.
Making Headway in Animal Law
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
Traditionally, companion animals have been thought of as mere "property," in the same way as your iPod or similar gadget. Hence, if something "happened" to that "property," the "owner" would only be entitled to recover the fair market value or replacement value of that "property."
New Animal Laws for 2011
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
January 15th, 2011
Ringing in the New Year also meant the start of some new animal protection laws that took effect on January 1st. Here are a few of them.
Congress Passes Truth in Fur Labeling Act
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
December 17th, 2010
The Truth in Fur Labeling Act, written by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), was approved by the Senate on December 7, 2010 and is now on its way to President Barack Obama's desk for his signature.
President Signs Bill to Stop Animal "Crush" Videos
by Stephan Otto, ALDF's Director of Legislative Affairs
December 10th, 2010
New law makes it a crime to sell crush videos.
One Fabulous Game will Never Make Us Forget...Ever
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
December 2nd, 2010
So Michael Vick played a great football game for the National Football League on Monday, November 15th. So do you think that the many animals Vick abused and tortured during his reign of terror at "Bad Newz Kennels," his interstate dog fighting ring, care about his athleticism?
Bill to Stop "Crush Videos" Sent to President Obama for his Signature
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
November 29th, 2010
The Senate, following the House, passed legislation on November 19th to ban the selling of videos that depict the abuse, mutilation, torture, and killing of animals.
When the State Takes our Companions
by Carter Dillard, ALDF's Director of Litigation
November 15th, 2010
This week ALDF filed an amicus curiae brief in Washington state's Supreme Court, arguing that the court should hear the appeal of Arnold Sather, whose dog was found to be dangerous and impounded by the City of Spokane.
U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania Rules that Deer Hunt Can Proceed
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
November 12th, 2010
On October 27th, a federal judge in Philadelphia approved a plan to allow sharpshooters to control the deer population at Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Great Election News from Arizona & Missouri!
by Stephan Otto, ALDF's Director of Legislative Affairs
November 3rd, 2010
Arizona voters rejected Proposition 109 in an effort to protect wildlife, while in Missouri, voters passed Proposition B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.
International News: Turkey Celebrates World Animal Day by Seeking Tougher Animal Protection Law
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
October 22nd, 2010
Turkish animal rights activists are seeking to criminalize the abuse of animals after collecting a record number of signatures for a petition campaign.
Missourians: Support the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
October 21st, 2010
Prop B will ask voters whether to enact a new set of laws that would greatly expand regulations on dog breeders.
Canadian Province Gets Tough New Animal Law
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
October 19th, 2010
The law regarding animal treatment just got a whole lot stricter in Manitoba, Canada. The Animal Care Amendment Act took effect September 20th, doubling-up jail time and fines for offenders, and adding the severe penalty that a person convicted of an offense could be restricted from owning or caring for animals for life.
Guilty Verdict in Puerto Rico Horse Abuse Case
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
October 15th, 2010
The Associated Press on September 16th reported that a man accused of dragging a "stubborn" horse alongside his truck has become the first person convicted by a Puerto Rico jury under an animal protection law enacted after dogs were thrown to their deaths from a bridge.
First-of-its-Kind Animal Abuser Registry Law is passed in Suffolk County, New York
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
October 13th, 2010
The Suffolk County Legislature unanimously approved a bill Tuesday, October 12th, to create a law establishing a county registry for animal abuse offenders. Suffolk County is home to 1.5 million human residents and an untold number of animal residents.
Increased Protections for Lab Animals in Europe
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
September 20th, 2010
European Union passes "Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes" law, providing for better lab animal welfare
California Assembly Votes to Defeat Pet Responsibility Act
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
September 10th, 2010
On August 31, 2010, the California Assembly voted to defeat SB 250, the "Pet Responsibility Act," ending longstanding efforts to pass the law, at least for the rest of this legislative session.
Wisconsin Lawmaker Seeks Tougher Animal Cruelty Law After Man Shoots Dog with Bow and Arrow
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
August 31st, 2010
GazetteXtra.com reports that because a Milton, WI, man has been accused of shooting a dog with a bow and arrow for essentially no reason at all, a state legislator has proposed a tougher law against pet assaults, making the type of crime allegedly committed a felony in the future, instead of a misdemeanor.
Animal Abuser Registry Bill Introduced in Suffolk County, New York
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
August 25th, 2010
Suffolk County lawmakers have proposed a county registry that will keep animals away from abusers. If the law passes, Suffolk County will be the first municipality in the nation to have an Animal Abuser Registry.
Breaking: ALDF Petitions Department of Transportation to Require Airlines to Report on Deaths of Animals Shipped as "Cargo"
by Lisa Franzetta, ALDF's Director of Communications
August 19th, 2010
Current Regulations Ignore Deaths, Injuries to Animals Shipped by Puppy Mill Operators
Declaring Freedom for Animals from Harm, Illogic and Wrongheadedness
by Dana Campbell, ALDF Attorney
August 2nd, 2010
"We hold these truths to be self-evident" begins the famous line from the Declaration of Independence. I've got my own version: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that one and one is two, that the sky is blue, and that abused animals should not be returned to their abusers.
First Attempt at Legislating "Crush Videos" was Deemed Too Broad
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
July 28th, 2010
In response to recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, Congress seeks to find a narrower road to protecting animals
Historic Vote to Ban Bullfighting
by Lisa Franzetta, ALDF's Director of Communications
July 28th, 2010
Today, the Spanish region of Catalonia voted to ban bullfighting, a cruel blood "sport" long entrenched in Spanish culture. The ban -- the first-ever in mainland Spain -- passed with a vote of 68 to 55, and will go into effect in January 2012.
New California Law Protects Out-of-State Egg-Laying Hens
by Stephanie Ulmer, Guest Blogger
July 12th, 2010
Non-Californian egg-laying hens are included in a new law allowing them to stretch their wings if their eggs make it to market in the Golden State but they still must wait until 2015 to gain this new freedom.
Right, But For The Wrong Reason
by Scott Heiser, Director of ALDF's Criminal Justice Program
July 12th, 2010
Due to South Dakota's consistent low rating in ALDF's annual State Animal Protection Laws Rankings, I read with interest a June 23, 2010 opinion that came down from the Supreme Court of South Dakota: State v. Fifteen Impounded Cats. While the Court's ultimate ruling is a desirable one, I take issue with the underlying reasoning used to get there.
The Future of Chemical Toxicity Testing in the U.S.
by Pamela Hart, Director of ALDF's Animal Law Program
July 1st, 2010
On June 21, lawyers, regulators and policy makers converged in Washington D.C. to discuss the necessary steps to ensure that chemical testing protects public health, the environment, and animals -- using twenty-first century toxicology.
BP Burns Endangered Sea Turtles Alive, ALDF Files Suit
by Stephen Wells, ALDF's Executive Director
June 30th, 2010
Today, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, along with several other groups, filed suit in federal court against BP for burning critically endangered sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico, in violation of the Endangered Species Act and other federal laws.
Elephant Abuse at Zoo Leads to Lawsuit
by Stephen Wells, ALDF's Executive Director
June 29th, 2010
Help win justice for Chai, Bamboo, Watoto and Sri by making a special donation and signing the petition today. Shamefully, the Woodland Park Zoo continues to use taxpayer money to exploit its elephants for profit while failing to provide them with adequate care. Together, we can stop this abuse.
Legislation Update: Some of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
by Stephan Otto, ALDF's Director of Legislative Affairs
June 7th, 2010
Arizona, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Minnesota joined the growing list of states and territories (now numbering 18) that have enacted laws expressly authorizing courts to include animals in domestic violence protective orders.
Mourning Losses on Both Legal and Human Fronts
by Dana Campbell, ALDF Attorney
June 1st, 2010
Unfortunate, but not unexpected, is how I would describe the ruling just handed down by the Vermont Supreme Court in the case of Shadow the murdered beloved family dog, also known as Scheele v. Dustin, ---A.2d---, 2010 WL 2015270 (Vt.).
Playing With Fire
by Scott Heiser, Director of ALDF's Criminal Justice Program
May 10th, 2010
Confrontation Clause Implications of Admitting Veterinary Records Under the "Business Records" Exception to the Rule Against Hearsay
Clarifying the Supreme Court's United States v. Stevens Opinion
by Matthew Liebman, ALDF Staff Attorney
April 21st, 2010
What the Court's decision means for animals.

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