Articles Archive

California Senator Wilk Introduces Landmark Animal Cruelty and Violence Prevention Legislation

California Senator Scott Wilk, representing the 21st Senate District, is joining the Animal Legal Defense Fund in calling for common-sense legislation to address the link between animal abuse and violence toward humans.

February 27, 2019 Press Release

Texas Senate and House Legislators Introduce Possession Ban Bill

The Animal Legal Defense Fund commends Sen. José Rodriguez (D – El Paso) and Rep. Eddie Lucio III (D - Brownsville) for introducing the Possession Ban bill, SB 804/HB 2012 — which is designed to keep animals out of the possession of convicted abusers.

February 25, 2019 Press Release

Virginia Court of Appeals Upholds Bestiality Law

On January 15, 2019, the Virginia Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of a man who was charged with violating the state’s bestiality law after videotaping encounters he had with a woman and her dog.

February 22, 2019 Animal Law Update

New York Expands Law Allowing Companion Animals on Public Transit in Emergency Evacuations

In October 2018, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation permitting companion animals to board any public transportation service in the event of a state of emergency and evacuation.

February 19, 2019 Animal Law Update

Lawmakers Urged to Protect Consumers from Deceptive Pet Leasing Industry

Animal Legal Defense Fund submits comments to Washington state lawmakers supporting passage of HB 1476

February 12, 2019 Press Release

Animal Legal Defense Fund Appeals Dismissal of Groundbreaking Lawsuit for Abused Horse

Animal Legal Defense Fund has appealed an Oregon state court's dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a horse named Justice against his abuser. Justice’s lawsuit seeks to recover the costs of his ongoing medical care, his pain and suffering caused by the abuse.

January 22, 2019 Press Release

New York Distinguishes Animals from Other Property in Eviction Cases

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the “No Pet Left Behind” law in August 2018. The new legislation requires officers enacting an eviction warrant to check the premises for companion animals and to coordinate their safe removal.

December 12, 2018 Animal Law Update

Building Successful Animal Cruelty Cases from the Crime Scene to Court Room

Law enforcement officers and prosecutors who respond to crimes face a host of challenges. From neglected cows who are unable to testify, to dog fighting ‘evidence’ having puppies, the unexpected is a matter of course in the struggle against animal cruelty.

November 7, 2018 News

California’s New “Pet Custody” Law Differentiates Companion Animals from Other Types of Property

On September 27, 2018, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 2274, which empowers California courts to take into consideration “the care of the pet animal” in cases of marital dissolution or legal separation.

November 5, 2018 Animal Law Update

Animal Legal Defense Fund Partners with the NCJFCJ to Address Animal Cruelty

The Animal Legal Defense Fund and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges are pleased to announce a new partnership to address judicial response in court cases related to animal cruelty.

October 25, 2018 Press Release