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
The Healthy Future Students and Earth Act Would Expand Student Access to Healthful Foods
Many U.S. students are seeking out plant-based options. The Healthy Future Students and Earth Act would provide grant funding to schools wishing to expand student access to these foods.
Oppose: The EATS Act Would Undermine State Farmed Animal Protection Laws
This action is for US residents only.
The EATS Act would undermine states’ ability to enact laws affecting agricultural practices, jeopardizing numerous state-level farmed animal protection laws.
Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act
Federal Legislation
The Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act (AWEIA) provides for more robust enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by increasing oversight and strengthening the licensing process for animal dealers and exhibitors.
Puppy Protection Act (Federal)
Federal Legislation
The Puppy Protection Act bans harmful practices in puppy mills and requires common-sense standards of care for commercial breeders.
State Bills
Ensure That Dogs and Their Families Can Stay Together (Massachusetts)
An Act to Maintain Stable Housing for Families with Pets in an Economic Crisis and Beyond (H.1437/S.885)
Extends housing protections for animal guardians during the COVID-19 emergency and helps prevent discrimination in housing and property insurance based on a dog’s breed.
The Healthy Future Students and Earth Act Would Expand Student Access to Healthful Foods
Many U.S. students are seeking out plant-based options. The Healthy Future Students and Earth Act would provide grant funding to schools wishing to expand student access to these foods.
Oppose: The EATS Act Would Undermine State Farmed Animal Protection Laws
This action is for US residents only.
The EATS Act would undermine states’ ability to enact laws affecting agricultural practices, jeopardizing numerous state-level farmed animal protection laws.
Protecting Animals from Rat Poisons (Massachusetts)
An Act relative to pesticides (H.3991)
Would decrease the use of rat poisons in Massachusetts by mandating the use of “Integrated Pest Management” (IPM) plans on public lands and publicly-owned property.
Upgrading Standards for Egg-Laying Hens (Massachusetts)
An Act to Upgrade Hen Welfare and Establish Uniform Cage-free Standards (S.2481)
Improves conditions for egg-laying hens by mandating that they be able to engage in certain vital natural and expands coverage to hens whose eggs are used for egg products commonly used by cafeterias and fast food chains
Protecting Animals Used in Circuses (Massachusetts)
An Act Relative to the Use of Elephants, Big Cats, Primates, and Bears in Traveling Exhibits (H.3376/S.2251)
Prohibits the use of certain wild animals in circuses and traveling shows in Massachusetts.
Recent Victories
Funding Critical Animal Health Services In Massachusetts FY2021 State Budget
State Budget Allocates Funds for Spay, Neuter, and Vaccination Services
Governor signs state budget allocating $50k to provide critical animal health services to animals in need.
Providing Key Protections for Agricultural Workers (Colorado)
Bill Would Help Protect Colorado’s Tens of Thousands of Farm Workers
Helps protect Colorado’s tens of thousands of farm workers by establishing whistleblower protections, fairer compensation for labor, and protections other workers already access through Colorado’s Labor Peace Act
Funding Critical Health Services for Animals In Need (Massachusetts)
State Budget Allocates Funds for Spay, Neuter, and Vaccination Services
Governor signs state budget allocating funds to provide critical animal health services—including spay and neuter surgeries and vaccinations—to animals in need.
Ending the Intensive Confinement of Egg-Laying Hens (Nevada)
Mandating hens be provided cage-free environments as well as vital enrichments (AB 399)
Nevada became the 9th state to pass a hen welfare bill when Governor Steve Sisolak signed AB 399 on June 4, 2021. The Animal Legal Defense Fund was glad to assist the broad coalition of organizations supporting this bill and engage advocates in Nevada.
Legislative Program Team
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Kim Kelly
Director of Legislative Affairs -
Alicia Prygoski
Senior Legislative Affairs Manager -
Jennifer Hauge
Legislative Affairs Manager -
Kathleen Schatzmann
Strategic Legislative Affairs Manager -
Stephanie Harris
Senior Legislative Affairs Manager
Related News
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United States: Support the Farm System Reform Act
The Farm System Reform Act would overhaul the United States’ cruel and environmentally destructive animal agricultural industry, in part, by placing a moratorium on building or expanding the largest factory farms.October 7, 2021 Action Alert -
Massachusetts: Protect Puppies and Kittens
An Act Protecting the Health and Safety of Puppies and Kittens in Cities and Towns, would protect animals and consumers by banning the sale of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks of age; prohibiting the sale of animals in parking lots, flea markets, and similar venues; and updating rules governing commercial kennels, among other improvements.October 7, 2021 Action Alert -
United States: Help Provide Student Access to Healthy Cruelty-Free Food
Urge your representative to support the Healthy Future Students and Earth Act which would provide voluntary grant funding to schools, enabling them to add nutrient-rich, environmentally friendlier plant-based options to their menus.September 22, 2021 Action Alert
