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.
Montreal Repeals Controversial Pit Bull Ban
Montreal’s new mayor has lifted the city’s sweeping ban on pit bulls, 15 months after the controversial restrictions went into effect.
California Becomes First State to Ban Retail Sale of Companion Animals
Laws like California’s are part of a growing movement to combat large-scale commercial breeding facilities.
Washington, D.C., Enacts Legislation to Protect Companion Animals in Cold Weather
As winter approaches, many caring people wonder what legal protections exist for companion animals left outside in very cold weather.
Illinois and New York Pass First Statewide Bans on the Use of Elephants in Entertainment
Illinois recently enacted the first statewide ban on the use of elephants in traveling acts, with New York following close behind.
California Supreme Court Reverses Protections for Elephants Confined at Los Angeles Zoo
Despite poor conditions for the Asian elephants at the Los Angeles Zoo, the California Supreme Court has overturned an injunction intended to improve their well-being.
Oregon Becomes 11th State to Pass “Good Samaritan Law” to Protect Dogs Left in Hot Cars
The new law provides that anyone may enter a motor vehicle to remove an unattended child or domestic animal as long as certain requirements are met.
Unique Connecticut Law Allows Court-Appointed Advocates to Represent Animals
Connecticut has become the first state to allow legal advocates to testify on behalf of animal victims in cruelty and neglect cases.
Indiana Passes “Good Samaritan” Law to Protect Dogs in Hot Cars
Indiana is the ninth state to pass a “good Samaritan” hot car law allowing a citizen to forcibly enter a motor vehicle under certain conditions to rescue a companion animal confined inside.
Canadian Activist Acquitted of Criminal Charges for Giving Water to Thirsty Pigs Bound for Slaughter
Toronto animal advocate has been acquitted of all charges for offering water to overheated pigs on a transport truck bound for slaughter.
Massachusetts Farmers Charged with More than 150 Counts of Animal Cruelty
After multiple visits by state inspectors, past cruelty charges (but no convictions), and repeated complaints from local residents about what some dubbed the “Farm of Horrors."
Related
-
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
