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

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

Location

All

California (2)

Colorado (1)

Connecticut (2)

Delaware (1)

District of Columbia (1)

Florida (5)

Hawaii (2)

Illinois (2)

Massachusetts (11)

New Hampshire (1)

New Jersey (8)

New Mexico (1)

New York (6)

North Carolina (1)

Ohio (1)

Oregon (2)

Rhode Island (2)

Texas (3)

Vermont (1)

Virginia (1)

An Act Relating to the Sale of Dogs and Cats by Pet Stores (Texas)

H.B. 870/S.B. 1989

A proposed bill in Texas would prohibit pet stores across the state from selling dogs and cats. Instead, stores would be encouraged to partner with animal shelters and rescue organizations to offer animals for adoption.

An Act Prohibiting the Removal of Claws from Cats (New Hampshire)

H.B. 231

New Hampshire lawmakers are considering a ban on declawing, a surgical procedure in which all or part of the last bone in a cat’s toes is amputated. Declawing can have lifelong medical implications and adversely affect behavior.

Pet Animal Ownership In Housing (Colorado)

H.B. 1068

The Colorado Pet Animal Ownership in Housing bill, H.B. 1068, contains several provisions to increase protections for both companion animals and their families.

Prohibiting harmful practices and devices at rodeos (Los Angeles, CA)

Council File: 20-1575

Proposed Los Angeles ordinance would prohibit the use of harmful practices, techniques, and devices at rodeos or rodeo-related events

Humane Protection of Animals Act (Massachusetts)

SD 2295/HD 3285

The Humane Protection of Animals Act (SD 2295/HD 3285) contains a collection of provisions that strengthen and clarify Massachusetts’ animal cruelty laws.

Cat Declawing Ban (Virginia)

H.B. 1382

Virginia lawmakers are considering prohibiting cat declawing, the surgical amputation of all or part of the last bone in a cat’s toes. It can have lifelong medical implications and stops a cat from exhibiting natural behaviors.

SEE ALL STATE BILLS →