This Week's Spotlights
Case Law Updates - Federal Case Law Updates
USDA Faces Poultry Products Inspection Act Lawsuit Over Humane Handling
The Animal Welfare Institute and Farm Sanctuary, represented by the Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic, have filed suit against the United States Department of Agriculture, alleging that the agency has failed to require humane handling of birds at slaughter.
International Updates
Mexico City Prohibits Live Animal Markets
Mexico City has issued new guidelines that prohibit the sale and exhibition of animals at live markets.
Legislative Updates
Pending State Actions
New Jersey Considers Legislation Approving Court-Appointed Animal Advocates
New Jersey Assembly Bill 4533 would allow courts to appoint a separate advocate to represent the interests of the animal at issue in a criminal case involving a nonhuman animal.
New Jersey Considers Legislation Allowing Citizens to Rescue Animals from Hot Cars
New Jersey Assembly Bill 4540 proposes to allow individuals acting in good faith to rescue an animal from a motor vehicle when they reasonably believe the animal’s life to be in danger due to heat, cold, inadequate ventilation, or other such circumstances.
Case Law Updates
Federal Case Law Updates
PCRM Challenges USDA’s Denial of COVID-19 Testing Petition
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has filed suit against the United States Department of Agriculture, challenging the agency’s denial of the organization’s petition requesting testing of COVID-19 at meat and poultry slaughterhouses and the agency’s failure to comply with Freedom of Information Act requests.
USDA Faces Poultry Products Inspection Act Lawsuit Over Humane Handling
The Animal Welfare Institute and Farm Sanctuary, represented by the Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic, have filed suit against the United States Department of Agriculture, alleging that the agency has failed to require humane handling of birds at slaughter.
State Case Law Updates
New York Attorney General Sues Egg Supplier Over Price Gouging
The New York Attorney General has filed suit against Hillandale Farms, alleging that the company illegally schemed to profit off the COVID-19 pandemic.
PETA Files Suit Against Roadside Zoo Over Treatment of Elephants
PETA has filed a lawsuit in California against the Monterey Zoological Society and its owner, alleging that the company engages in unlawful business practices when it uses canes to threaten and control elephants kept at the facility.
Agency Updates
NMFS Initiates Status Review of Black Teatfish
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced it is initiating a status review of the black teatfish under the Endangered Species Act and requesting scientific and commercial information regarding the species.
FWS Proposes Cut to Critical Habitat of Northern Spotted Owl
The Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a cut of over 200,000 acres of critical habitat for the northern spotted owl. The agency is accepting comments on the proposed rule until October 13, 2020.
NMFS Initiates Status Review of Southern Right Whale
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced it is initiating a five year review of the southern right whale. The agency is accepting information for assistance with its review until October 13, 2020.
International Updates
Mexico City Prohibits Live Animal Markets
Mexico City has issued new guidelines that prohibit the sale and exhibition of animals at live markets.