Articles

Part I of this Note examines the growing problem of dog bites and dog-bite related deaths ("canine homicides") through statistical analysis. This part also provides a description and history of pit bull terriers, currently the most frequent target of breed-based laws. Part II examines common criticisms and concerns that accompany each type of law, and provides an overview of additional legislation that has been enacted to reduce the number of dog bites and attacks. Finally, Part III concludes that breed-specific legislation is an ineffective and inefficient means of combating the dog-bite epidemic. This part argues that dangerous-dog laws are a more effective, albeit imperfect, solution to the problem and proposes non-breed-based supplemental legislation that can be enacted to reduce the public threat posed by dangerous dogs.

This paper highlights the problems of the horse racing industry in an effort to advocate why a national horse racing commission is needed. As currently positioned, the industry has failed to address these problems causing not only a decline in the sport, but also contributing to the many horse breakdowns on the track. With each state having its own racing commission to regulate the sport in that state, the industry as a whole has remained fragmented. Through its commerce powers, Congress could and should mandate a national horse racing commission with a standardized set of mandatory rules for the entire sport.

This note begins by tracing the development of anti-cruelty statutes over the last two centuries. Part II discusses the history of anti-cruelty legislation, including the philosophical and socio-historical trends underlying these laws. Part III examines the recent changes to Minnesota's anti-cruelty statute. Part IV analyzes these changes and proposes future modifications. Finally, part V examines current scholarship on animal abuse, discusses why the issue has typically been ignored by society, and poses challenges for the future.

This Note argues that treating bailment and veterinary malpractice as mutually exclusive is neither necessary nor desirable. In doing so, it first gives an overview of animals' status as property, the doctrine of bailment, and veterinary malpractice. Second, the seminal case discrediting bailment in favor of veterinary malpractice, Price v. Brown, [FN6] is discussed. Finally, this Note explores the reasons why bailment and veterinary malpractice should not be treated as mutually exclusive, and why pet owners should be able to recover for negligence by a veterinarian under the doctrine of bailment.

This paper considers the issue of "canned hunts" and how the legal system deals with them.

As wild populations of big cats continue to decline precipitously, concerns about the ethical and environmental considerations of keeping cats for entertainment have increased exponentially. The plight of the big cat has been brought forcibly into the international media spotlight following high profile incidents like the tiger attack on Roy Horn at Las Vegas’ Mirage Casino. However, for every big cat whose instinct makes the national news, many suffer in silence, sacrificed to entertain the masses. Often, this cruelty to animals is rationalized under the wide net of “education,” since many people still believe there is valuable information to be gained from viewing animals trapped behind bars.

This article describes the minimal state and federal laws relating to animals raised for food production, and outlines a path for reform.

This summary provides a brief examination of the biology of whales, including habitat, reproductive cycles, and feeding.

Information on the physical characteristics, habitat, temperament, and mating and feeding patterns of the Asiatic black bear.

This article provides a short summary of the bald eagle's (Haliaeetus leucocephals) pertinent biological information. Included in this summary are the facts about the eagle's breeding behavior, habitat, diet, and geographic range in the United States.

The article contains general biological information about hogs, farming production phases and commonly used terminology.

This overview describes the fundamental characteristics of reptile biology and physiology.

This article covers the biology, ecology and behavior of the common chimpanzee. Topics include physiology, habitat, reproduction, social structure and conservation status.

This summary contains information on the biology of orcas (killer whales). The social structure of pods is discussed as well as the whale's diet.

The domestic cat can be traced to the African Wild Cat. The species became close to humans in ancient Egypt. Cats are athletic and agile, which contributes to their skill as predators.

The gray wolf is an amazingly adaptable creature that can live in many different habitats. It is a social animal which often forms packs that stick together.

This article provides a brief biological summary of the polar bear.

The following is a biological summary of cattle. The document quickly touches upon history, biology, and social nature of cattle. It also mentions housing used at dairy operations and lists definitions for selected terminology.

This paper gives a brief biological summary of the dolphin. The dolphin is a mammal and member of the Delphinidae family.