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.
After Judge Denies Maine Governor’s “Pardon,” Last-Minute Appeal Temporarily Saves Dog Sentenced to Death
In an unprecedented case that has gained national attention, the fate of a four-year-old husky named Dakota remains uncertain after she received a gubernatorial “pardon.”
Berkeley, California, Becomes Second U.S. City to Ban Sale of Fur Clothing
The ban was spearheaded by local animal advocacy group Berkeley Coalition for Animals (BCA).
Eugene, Oregon, Passes Ordinance Banning Dogs Downtown
On March 8, 2017, the Eugene City Council passed a trial ordinance banning dogs from the city’s downtown area
First Criminal Charges Filed under California’s Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed more than 50 charges against an Ontario, California egg facility, Hohberg Poultry Ranches.
Sydney Seafood Store Convicted of Animal Cruelty for Inhumane Treatment of Lobsters
No matter how horrendously they are treated, it is rare for criminal cruelty charges to be brought in cases involving animals who are considered “food.”
San Francisco Bans Sale of Dogs and Cats in Retail Stores
San Francisco has become the latest jurisdiction to outlaw the sale of commercially bred dogs and cats in retail stores.
Case Inspiring Change in Florida Dog Bite Law Featured in The Florida Bar Journal
In a victory for due process in dog bite cases, a Florida law passed last year allows guardians of dogs accused of causing serious injury to a person to mount a defense on behalf of the animal to save that animal’s life.
Michigan Appeals Court Dismisses Lawsuit in Fatal Shooting of Two Family Dogs by Police
The United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, upheld a lower court’s dismissal of a civil suit involving the fatal shooting of two family dogs by police officers.
Federal Judge Rules in Favor of USDA in Foie Gras Case
On Dec. 14, 2016, a federal judge granted summary judgment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a lawsuit to compel the agency to declare foie gras a diseased product unsuitable for human consumption, thereby removing it from the food supply.
New Michigan Law Empowers Animal Shelters to Deny Adoptions to Convicted Animal Abusers
Logan’s Law allows Michigan animal shelters to deny adoptions under certain circumstances and to consider prior criminal history before adoption.
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
