Legislation

Strengthening Laws that Protect Animals and Striking Down Laws Hurting Animals

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The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, 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.

SEE ALL FEDERAL BILLS →

State Bills

Location

All

California (3)

Connecticut (2)

Delaware (3)

District of Columbia (1)

Florida (5)

Hawaii (2)

Illinois (2)

Massachusetts (10)

New Jersey (8)

New Mexico (1)

New York (7)

North Carolina (1)

Ohio (1)

Oregon (3)

Rhode Island (2)

Texas (2)

Vermont (1)

Recognizing Animal Sentience (New York City)

City Council Resolution 260

New York City Resolution 260 will officially recognize “that animals are sentient beings entitled to respect and consideration, protection from abuse, neglect and cruelty, and the maximization of their welfare.”

Animal Care and Control Omnibus Amendment Act of 2021 (Washington, D.C.)

Bill 24-0560

Bill would implement a retail pet sale ban in Washington, D.C.; prohibit cat declawing in the District; criminalize the sexual abuse of animals; ban the possession of dogfighting implements; and make additional improvements for animals.

Banning Cat Declawing (Delaware)

H.B. 333

Delaware lawmakers are considering banning cat declawing, a surgical procedure in which all or part of the last bone in a cat’s toes is amputated. It can have lifelong medical implications and stops a cat from exhibiting natural behaviors.

Prohibiting Landlords from Requiring Cat Declawing (Delaware)

H.B. 386

As the law stands now in Delaware, landlords may require a tenant to declaw a cat as a condition for entering into or renewing a rental agreement. If House Bill 386 is enacted, it would prohibit landlords from imposing this requirement.

The Izzy the Cat Act (Delaware)

S.B. 258/S.S. 1

When a companion animal is harmed by another person’s actions, Delaware law currently limits monetary damages to the animal’s “fair market value.” A new bill would instead allow the animal’s guardian to recoup the cost of veterinary care.

An Act Concerning the Feeding of Black Bear (New Jersey)

A.1967/S.1891

This important “Bear Smart” bill aims to protect black bears in New Jersey by preventing unintentional feeding, a root cause of human-bear interactions.

SEE ALL STATE BILLS →