Human interaction with captive animals – both wild-caught and captive-bred – can increase the likelihood of global pandemics, which makes their captivity all the more dangerous. Join legal and rescue experts as they discuss captive animals, with an emphasis on those used for entertainment.
This presentation was part of the 2021 Animal Law Symposium.
Resources
- Laws that Protect Animals (Federal, State, & Local)
- Justice the Horse Sues Abuser (Justice v. Vercher)
- Lawsuit to Protect the Endangered Species Act (Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Bernhardt)
- Zoonotic Spillover Through Intermediate Host (C4ADS)
- Origin & Evolution of Pathogenic Coronaviruses (NCBI, NIH)
- Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
- COVID-19 and Animals in Captivity: Rethinking Our Interactions with Animals in Captivity to reduce the likelihood of the next pandemic
- Learn more about captive wildlife
- Endangered Species Act
- Endangered Species Act Fact Sheet
- Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations
- Daniel Waltz PowerPoint Presentation (PDF) – Zoonotic Diseases & Captive Wildlife
- Claire Tonry PowerPoint Presentation (PDF) – Zoonotic Diseases & Captive Wildlife
- Catherine Doyle PowerPoint Presentation (PDF) – Zoonotic Diseases & Captive Wildlife
-
Daniel Waltz
Managing Attorney
Sign Up!
Join the Animal Legal Defense Fund's email list to stay up to date on lawsuits, legislation, and regulations affecting animals.
Focus Area
Issues
Related
-
Animal Groups Refile Complaint Over Alleged Texas Slaughterhouse Cruelty
Animal law groups request accountability after a bull was shot four times with a rifleMay 11, 2026 News -
Imperiled White Lions Rescued from Texas Roadside Zoo to Receive Medical Care
The Animal Legal Defense Fund urged federal authorities to investigate the plight of two white lions who were apparently enduring severe physical and neurological distressMay 7, 2026 News -
Footage Reveals Imperiled White Lions Languishing at Texas Roadside Zoo
ALDF seeks federal investigation and confiscation of two white lions enduring severe physical and neurological distressMay 4, 2026 News
