Animal Law Update
The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Animal Law Update is a series highlighting developments in the rapidly emerging field of animal law.
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.
Michigan Becomes Latest State to Ban Eggs from Caged Hens
Michigan has become the fifth and largest egg-producing state to enact a “cage-free” egg law.
Australian Capital Territory Enacts New Law Recognizing Animal Sentience
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has passed important legislation recognizing that animals are sentient, having the ability to “subjectively feel and perceive the world around them.”
New York Becomes First State to Ban Cat Declawing
On July 22, 2019, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed Senate Bill S5532B/AB 1303, which bans the declawing of cats in the state of New York.
Colorado Passes Animal Possession Ban for Convicted Animal Abusers
Colorado’s new law prohibits those convicted of aggravated animal cruelty from owning, possessing, or caring for a “pet animal” for three to five years from their date of conviction.
New Mexico Bans Coyote-Killing Contests
On April 2, 2019, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 76, making New Mexico the third state to ban coyote-killing contests.
Animal Cruelty Charges Dropped Because Fish Are Not “Animals” Under North Carolina Law
Animals are defined as “property” under U.S. law, which complicates efforts to advocate for them through the legal system. Property classification is not the only aspect of animals’ legal status that presents challenges.
Federal Farm Bill Includes Important Protections for Animals
The sweeping Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 — an omnibus federal law passed approximately every five years, commonly known as the “farm bill” — included several important provisions, including some victories for animals.
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Punk Rock Legend Iggy Pop Asks Florida Senators to Protect Big Cats
Long-time Miami resident asks Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott to co-sponsor the Big Cat Public Safety ActJune 2, 2020 Press Release -
Humboldt County Agrees to Prioritize Nonlethal Solutions to Urban Wildlife Conflict
Reforms emphasize coexistence with coyotes and other wildlifeMay 5, 2020 Press Release -
Florida Girl Scouts Speak Up for Orcas!
After learning about orca captivity the troops made posters highlighting facts about captive orcas and encouraging others not to support businesses that exploit animals.May 4, 2020 News
