Legislation – Federal Bills
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the state and local levels to advance important legislation. We advocate for laws that promote or protect the lives and interests of animals, and we oppose legislation that would be detrimental to animals’ well-being.
We also work closely with the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s other programs to identify opportunities to create model legislation that address strategic legal issues in the areas of civil and criminal law, and monitor legislation that impacts animals at the federal, state, and local levels.
Federal Bills
Goldie’s Act (Federal)
Amend the AWA to increase USDA enforcement of violations
Named for a golden retriever, Goldie’s Act would amend the AWA to require the USDA enforce strengthened regulations set forth in the proposed bill.
The Humane Cosmetics Act (Federal)
Federal Legislation
Substantially restricts the use of animal testing for cosmetic products
The Healthy Future Students and Earth Act Would Expand Student Access to Healthful Foods
Federal Legislation
The Healthy Future Students and Earth Act would provide grant funding to schools wishing to expand student access to these plant-based food options.
Oppose: The EATS Act Would Undermine State Farmed Animal Protection Laws
Federal Legislation
The EATS Act would undermine states’ ability to enact laws affecting agricultural practices, jeopardizing numerous state-level farmed animal protection laws.
Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act
Federal Legislation
The Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act (AWEIA) provides for more robust enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by increasing oversight and strengthening the licensing process for animal dealers and exhibitors.
Puppy Protection Act (Federal)
Federal Legislation
The Puppy Protection Act bans harmful practices in puppy mills and requires common-sense standards of care for commercial breeders.
Preventing Future Pandemics Act (Federal)
Federal Legislation
Aims to shut down commercial wildlife markets globally
Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act (Federal)
Federal Legislation
Suspends the USDA’s authority to issue new waivers related to line speeds in slaughterhouses and suspend current waivers during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Farm System Reform Act (Federal)
Federal Legislation
The Farm System Reform Act would overhaul the United States’ cruel and environmentally destructive animal agricultural industry, in part, by placing a moratorium on the largest factory farms.
Big Cat Public Safety Act (Federal)
Federal Legislation
The Big Cat Public Safety Act prohibits the private ownership of big cats and makes it illegal for exhibitors to allow direct contact with cubs.
Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act (Federal)
Federal Legislation
The Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act (H.R. 4716) would prohibit the use of body-gripping traps in the National Wildlife Refuge System
Captive Primate Safety Act (Federal)
Federal Legislation
The Captive Primate Safety Act prohibits private possession of nonhuman primates and the sale or transportation of nonhuman primates for the wild “pet” trade.
Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (Federal)
Federal Legislation
The Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA) would prohibit the use of wild animals in traveling shows such as circuses.
Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2021 (Federal)
Federal Legislation
The Horse Transportation Safety Act would ban the transportation of horses in double-deck trailers.
The PAW and FIN Act of 2019 (Federal)
Federal Legislation
The PAW and FIN Act reverses regulations recently enacted to weaken the Endangered Species Act.
The Save America’s Forgotten Equines Act (SAFE) Act (Federal)
Federal Legislation
Would permanently ban horse slaughter in the United States as well as prohibit the export of horses for slaughter in other countries.
How We Work
Related
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States’ Animal Protection Laws Ranked by Animal Legal Defense Fund: Maine is #1, New Mexico #50
The 17th annual U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report (2022) ranks the animal protection laws of all 50 states.February 1, 2023 Press Release -
Amicus Briefs Filed Urging Oregon Supreme Court to Hear Lawsuit on Behalf of Abused Horse
The amicus briefs from notable experts including Harvard University's Laurence H. Tribe filed in support of neglected horse’s lawsuit against his former abuserJanuary 9, 2023 Press Release -
Justice for Animals Fundraiser on January 26, 2023
Join co-host Jackson Galaxy, comedian Nikki Glaser, and other special guests
