Strengthening Laws that Protect Animals and Striking Down Laws Hurting Animals

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

State-level advocacy actions are available for those states in session. Each state has its own legislative schedule, holding sessions on predefined intervals.

SEE ALL STATE BILLS →

Recent Victories

Fund the study and creation of wildlife crossings (New Mexico)

Wildlife Corridors Act (S.B. 72)

Will establish a wildlife corridor fund to be administered by New Mexico’s Department of Transportation

Protecting Animals from Sexual Abuse (New Mexico)

S.B. 215

Creates the crime of bestiality and establishes a post-conviction animal possession ban, among other provisions

Protect Wildlife with Safe Crossings (Massachusetts)

Wildlife Crossings Project Provision of the Transportation Bond Bill (SEC 40 of H.5151)

Requires study of the feasibility of and creating an action plan for wildlife crossings projects in the Commonwealth

An act to add Section 122191 to the Health and Safety Code, relating to online pet retailers

This California state bill prohibits the financing of purchases of dogs and cats, often used in the sale of animals bred in puppy or kitten mills and sold online.

SEE ALL VICTORIES →