Articles Archive

Clarifying that Fish are “Animals,” Connecticut Bans the Use of Goldfish as Carnival Prizes

With an amendment to its consumer protection law, Connecticut has made it illegal to use fish as prizes for carnivals and other games.

February 7, 2025 Animal Law Update

Massachusetts Bans the Use of Certain Wild Animals in Traveling Circus Acts

Effective January 1, 2025, Massachusetts’s Bill S.2189 bans the use of several species of wild animals in traveling shows. The new law, signed by Governor Maura Healy in summer 2024, protects elephants, big cats, nonhuman primates, bears, and giraffes from being exhibited or forced to perform in mobile acts like circuses, carnivals, and fairs.

February 7, 2025 Animal Law Update

Animals Begin New Lives at Sanctuaries After Rescue from Pennsylvania Roadside Zoo

The settlement agreement involves relocating 45 captive animals from a bleak roadside zoo to peaceful sanctuary homes over a five-year period

December 19, 2024 News

Urgent: Ask Your Legislators to Support the Captive Primate Safety Act

Urge Congress to support the Captive Primate Safety Act to prohibit the private possession of apes, monkeys and other nonhuman primates and their sale or transportation for the “pet” trade!

Action Alert

Lawsuit Filed Against USDA for Issuing Animal Welfare Act License to Serial Violator Yellowstone Bear World

The complaint argues the wildlife park causes undue stress to bear cubs by offering bottle-feeding and photo opportunities to the public as well as separating them from their mothers.

July 16, 2024 Press Release

New York: Help Protect Animals from Inhumane Traveling Acts

Urge state legislators to protect wild animals from cruelty in traveling acts in New York.

Action Alert

Tentative Settlement Reached in Texas Endangered Species Act Lawsuit

The Animal Legal Defense Fund and a Texas roadside zoo have tentatively reached a settlement, pending the dismissal of the Endangered Species Act lawsuit filed in March 2022.

February 28, 2024 Press Release