The Center for Biological Diversity and Healthy Gulf have filed suit against the Fish and Wildlife Service and Secretary of the Interior for their alleged failure to develop recovery plans for the frosted flatwoods salamander and reticulated flatwoods salamander under the Endangered Species Act.
Groups Challenge FWS Treatment of Salamander
Connecticut Considers Banning Use of Wild Animals in Circuses, Carnivals, Exhibitions
Connecticut Proposed Bill 66 would prohibit the use of wild animals in circuses, carnivals, and exhibitions.
Missouri Legislation Would Protect Animal Enterprises from Local Ordinances
Missouri House Bill 647 would prohibit municipalities from enacting any law or ordinance that bans or effectively bans due to financial hardship the use of “working” animals.
Indiana Legislation Would Require Animal Disease Reporting Within 24 Hours
Indiana Senate Bill 53 proposes to require any veterinarian, biomedical researcher, public health official, zoo or wildlife personnel, or custodian of an animal who knows or has reason to suspect that an animal is suffering from a disease deemed reportable by the board of animal health to report the occurrence within 24 hours.
PETA Granted Fee Sanction Against Roadside Zoo Operator
An Oklahoma federal judge has sanctioned Lauren Lowe, wife of Jeffrey Lowe, for failing to pay attorney fees PETA accrued in a lawsuit against the operator of the roadside zoo featured in the Netflix series Tiger King.
Missouri Considers Protecting Animal Enterprises from Local Laws
Missouri Senate Bill 159 would prohibit any jurisdiction from enacting any law that terminates, bans, or effectively bans by creating undue financial hardship the use of “working animals,” defined to include animals used for entertainment, transportation, or exhibition
House Passes Big Cat Public Safety Act
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Big Cat Public Safety Act, a bill that would ban private ownership of big cats like lions and tigers.
Michigan Bill Would Ban Sale, Breeding of Dangerous Reptiles
Michigan House Bill 6455 proposes to ban the breeding, sale, and import of dangerous reptiles, including alligators, crocodiles, rattlesnakes, and cobras. The bill contains exemptions for zoos, sanctuaries, law enforcement, and veterinarians.
Virginia Considers Higher Standard for Cause to Investigate Animal Cruelty
Virginia House Bill 1744 proposes to raise the standard of belief for application of a search warrant for animal cruelty from reasonable cause to probable cause. The bill would also exempt animals kept in zoos or petting zoos from seizure or impoundment unless there is a direct and immediate threat to the animal.
Hawaii Judge Says Aquarium Fishing Permits Need Review
A Hawaii judge has said that the state has to consider the environmental impacts of issuing commercial fishing licenses to the aquarium industry.