Animal Law Update
The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Animal Law Update is a series highlighting legal and policy developments in the rapidly emerging field of animal law.
France to End Mink Farming, Use of Wild Animals in Traveling Circuses, and Captivity of Orcas and Dolphins in Marine Parks
As part of a broad package of animal protection measures, France has banned the farming of mink for their fur, captivity of dolphins and orcas in marine parks, and the use of wild animals in traveling circuses. Also included are new standards to improve the well-being of some species of animals held in zoos.
Czech Republic Bans Cages for Hens
On November 13, 2020, the Czech Parliament approved a ban on the use of cages to confine hens used for their eggs or for breeding. Following final approval by President Miloš Zemanh, the new law will become effective in 2027 after a 7-year phase-in period and affect approximately 4.5 million hens per year.
New California Laws Aim to Save More Companion Animals in Shelters
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two bills intended to reduce the killing of adoptable companion animals in the state.
Islamabad High Court Holds that Animals Have Legal Rights
The Islamabad High Court has held that animals have natural rights and are entitled to protection under the Pakistani constitution. The case before the court was threefold, involving an elephant held in solitary confinement at a zoo, a rescued bear who had been forced to “dance” and perform tricks, and the killing of stray dogs.
New German Law Will Mandate Minimum Exercise Requirements for Dogs
Proposed amendments to Germany’s Animal Welfare Act aimed at ensuring the species-specific needs of dogs are met include minimum exercise requirements, tethering prohibitions, and a ban on exhibiting dogs who have been bred to have characteristics that cause physical distress.
Though Ruled Unconstitutional, Industry Continues Pushing Ag-Gag Laws: Updates in North Carolina, Kansas, Iowa, and Ontario
In the first half of 2020, there were multiple developments in the realm of Ag-Gag laws — so named because they criminalize whistleblowing and undercover investigations in agricultural facilities, thus “gagging” activists and others who expose animal abuse in factory farms and slaughterhouses.
New Kentucky Law Allows Veterinarians to Report Animal Cruelty
Kentucky has amended its law prohibiting veterinarians from reporting suspected animal cruelty. Advocates worked for years to change this law, which had good intentions regarding personal privacy but unintended consequences for animal victims of abuse.
China Reclassifies Dogs from “Livestock” to “Companion Animals”
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and mounting criticism of the dog meat trade from Chinese citizens, the national government of China has issued draft guidelines to reclassify dogs from “livestock” to “companion animals.”
Friend or Food? Companion Pigs Challenge Legal Distinctions
In the U.S., some municipalities are grappling with whether pigs kept as companions should be allowed in residential areas that exclude animals legally defined as “livestock.”
Federal Judge Strikes Down “Lake Erie Bill of Rights”
On February 27, 2020, a federal judge struck down as unconstitutional a first-of-its-kind law granting basic rights to Lake Erie.
Australian State Bans “No-Pets” Policies in Rental Housing
The Australian state of Victoria has enacted important legislation to prohibit landlords from banning companion animals in rental housing.
Related
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Kim Basinger Urges Craigslist to Ban Posts with Animals
Animal protection advocate and actress Kim Basinger sent a letter to Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster with an urgent request the company end all animal posts on its platform.January 25, 2021 Press Release -
Washington State Court Urged to Uphold Visitation Agreement for Family Dogs in Divorce Appeal
The Animal Legal Defense Fund files amicus brief in divorce case concerning custody and visitation of companion animalsJanuary 20, 2021 Press Release -
Wisconsin Roadside Zoo Owner and Manager Banned from Possessing and Working with Animals
The court’s decision ensures Special Memories Zoo is permanently closed following Animal Legal Defense Fund lawsuitJanuary 15, 2021 Press Release
