Articles

This is a very brief overview of the ethical and legal circumstances surrounding the genetic modification of animals.

This brief summary discusses the ongoing legal battle between environmental groups and the federal government concerning the gray wolf's status on the Endangered Species List since 2005.

This article provides a basic introduction to the various laws that deal with horses.

This brief summary describes the history of horsemeat consumption, focusing specifically on the U.S. It analyzes the federal "ban" on horse slaughter that occurred in 2007 as a result of changes in federal appropriations. Recently, a change in appropriations brought the slaughter measure to the forefront. The legislative state of horse slaughter for human consumption remains uncertain.

In some states, humane societies are granted police powers to enforce animal cruelty laws. This Article explains the systems that states use to grant police powers to humane societies.

Summary comparing the laws of the US and Europe on the subject of companion animals and confinement farming, including slaughter and transport.

This brief summary introduces the concept of invasive species and the federal and state laws that address their control. It also briefly explores the potential animal welfare issues that arise in dealing with invasive species.

This brief overview discusses when and how a landlord may be liable for injuries caused by a tenant's animal. In short, it outlines what constitutes negligence for a landlord in such circumstances for most jurisdictions.

This brief summary discusses the few laws that protect animals used in film production. At the federal level, only the AWA and ESA touch upon the issue. No states directly address the use of animals in film, though cruelty laws protect animals from abuse and neglect. Industry standards, like those issued by the AHA, most directly target the treatment of animals during film making.

This summary discusses the laws that concern orcas (killer whales) housed in capivity.

State and federal laws prohibit discrimination against disabled people who rely on service animals. Such laws try to protect the rights of disabled people and safeguard their service animals from harm. The penalties for violating these laws include fines, restitution, and imprisonment.

This summary examines the nature and authority of state and local dog laws. It also describes the general subjects included in dog laws, such as loose dogs and impoundment procedures. The concept of preemption of local laws is also defined.

Some cities and towns have attempted to address pet nuisance issues by limiting the number of pets a person can own. These laws are sometimes challenged by pet owners because the laws impact pet owners’ property rights. However, courts usually uphold the laws if they are rationally related to protecting the public health, safety, and welfare.

A brief overview discussing the state of the law concerning disposition of pets in divorce. Includes steps in general property allocation during divorce and new ideas emerging in the field of pet custody.

The following is a brief summary of areas that will be covered for this topic.

State animal terrorism laws have been enacted to protect agricultural research and production using animals. The laws prohibit acts that obstruct, impede, or disrupt agricultural operations, research, or experimentation conducted at an animal facility. A person who violates a state animal terrorism law may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, face a stiff fine and prison term, and may be required to pay restitution. Opponents of such laws argue that they may violate state and federal constitutional rights.

Most state cat laws deal with anti-cruelty and health concerns, such as requiring rabies vaccinations. A majority of states address over-population by requiring shelters to sterilize animals they adopt out, but otherwise consider free-roaming and feral cats to be a local issue. Local governments deal with the problems associated with these cats, such as nuisance, trespass, property damage, and destruction of native wildlife.

After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, the federal Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act was enacted and over 30 states have adopted either a law or emergency plan that deals with disaster planning and pets. Such plans establish procedures to coordinate federal, state and local government agencies, volunteer organizations, animal interest groups, and veterinary medical personnel for rapid response to natural disasters. Most address the care of companion animals, the implementation of state animal response teams, the sheltering of animals, and identification of recovered animals.