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.
India’s Punjab and Haryana High Court Rules Animal Rights Outweigh Private Settlement
Court’s finding that animal rights transcend a private settlement entered into by the human parties is a striking example of non-anthropocentric jurisprudence.
Guam Prosecutes First Felony Animal Neglect Case
When Guam enacted a felony animal cruelty law in 2011, the U.S. territory moved up 18 places on the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Animal Protection Laws State Rankings, showing the second most improvement of U.S. states and territories that year.
New Jersey Appellate Court Upholds Bear Hunt Ban on State Lands
In 2003, after a 33-year hiatus, the New Jersey Fish and Game Council reauthorized the hunting of black bears. In the years since, the bear hunt has frequently been the subject of litigation, and has been halted by some governors and reinstated by others.
Ninth Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Almond Milk Labeling Lawsuit
In an unpublished opinion issued December 20, 2018, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of a class action against Blue Diamond Growers. The lawsuit alleged that the company’s almond milk products were mislabeled under FDA law.
Virginia Court of Appeals Upholds Bestiality Law
On January 15, 2019, the Virginia Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of a man who was charged with violating the state’s bestiality law after videotaping encounters he had with a woman and her dog.
New York Expands Law Allowing Companion Animals on Public Transit in Emergency Evacuations
In October 2018, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation permitting companion animals to board any public transportation service in the event of a state of emergency and evacuation.
Wins for Animals in the 2018 Midterm Election
The recent midterm election included two big wins for animal protection: Amendment 13 and Proposition 12.
New York Distinguishes Animals from Other Property in Eviction Cases
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the “No Pet Left Behind” law in August 2018. The new legislation requires officers enacting an eviction warrant to check the premises for companion animals and to coordinate their safe removal.
California Enacts Law Requiring Plant-Based Options in State Facilities
In September 2018, California Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 1138, a law that makes California the first state in the nation to require prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, and other state-operated facilities to offer plant-based meals.
Brussels Recognizes Animals as Sentient Beings Distinct from Objects
On November 23, 2018, the Brussels Parliament unanimously voted to recognize animals – previously categorized with property and immobile goods – as a special category.
Missouri Passes Unconstitutional Law Restricting the Marketing of Alternative Meat Products
Missouri passed a law that prohibits many products — including plant-based and cellular meat — from identifying themselves as “meat.” The new legislation, which became effective on August 28, 2018, carries criminal penalties of prison time and fines.
Related
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Animal Legal Defense Fund Grant Supported Washington Attorney General’s Enforcement of Animal Cruelty Law
The judge sentenced a Snohomish County resident for killing then displaying neighborhood wildlife and shooting a kitten in the eye.April 18, 2024 News -
REPORT: 95 Percent of Consumers Prefer “Climate-Friendly” Products, But Labels Oversell Emission Reductions
New report reveals how misleading labels lead to increased confusion among consumers searching for more sustainable, less environmentally damaging products.April 2, 2024 Press Release -
Lawsuit Filed Demanding FDA Respond to Petitions Seeking to Ban Ractopamine
FDA’s approval for ractopamine relied primarily on safety studies conducted by the drugmaker.March 26, 2024 Press Release
