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.
President Obama Signs END Wildlife Trafficking Act into Law
On October 7, 2016, President Obama signed into law H.R. 2494, The Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Act of 2016.
Animal Abuser Registry Created in Florida County
Hillsborough County, Florida, which includes the city of Tampa, has passed an animal abuser registry that became effective November 1, 2016.
California Passes Orca Protection Act
Last month, California became the second U.S. state to ban the use of bullhooks on elephants.
Portland, Maine, Bans Retail Sale of Dogs and Cats
Portland, ME, has become the latest jurisdiction to outlaw the retail sale of dogs and cats, meaning pet stores will no longer be able to sell them unless they come from a rescue organization.
Federal Judge Rules Mass Killing of Oregon Cormorants Can Continue
Despite ruling that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers acted unlawfully by failing to consider alternatives to killing thousands of cormorants on Oregon’s Columbia River, a federal district court has allowed the slaughter to continue.
California Becomes Second U.S. State to Ban Bullhook Bans
A ban on the use of bullhooks – sharp implements used to beat and train elephants to perform unnatural acts – in circuses and traveling shows has been signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown.
Activist Faces Criminal Charges for Giving Water to Thirsty Pigs
In contrast to the recent spate of legislation designed to protect companion animals trapped in hot cars, a Canadian activist has faced criminal charges for offering water to farmed animals confined in a hot truck.
New California Law Allows Citizens to Rescue Animals from Hot Cars
California Governor, Jerry Brown, has signed into law AB 797, the “Right to Rescue Act,” which amends existing law to grant legal immunity to citizens who break into a hot vehicle to rescue a confined animal judged to be in imminent danger.
Washington Jury Awards Damages for “Intrinsic Value” and “Emotional Distress” Damages in Dog Shooting Case
In what is thought to be the largest verdict in Washington for the death of a dog, a jury has awarded $100,000 in a case involving the shooting death of Chucky, a springer spaniel whom owner Jim Anderson described as his “best friend.”
New Massachusetts Law Will Protect Dogs in Hot Cars
Adding to the increase in legislation addressing the dangers of leaving animals in hot cars, Massachusetts SB2369 was signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker on August 19.
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
