Michigan House Bill 5809 proposes several changes to the state’s animal cruelty law, including requiring offenders to pay the costs associated with the care and treatment of seized animals.
Michigan Considers Legislation to Amend Cruelty Law
Congress Considers Ban on Use of Funds for Live Dog and Cat Purchases from China
Senate Bill 3628 proposes to prohibit the use of federal funds to purchase live cats or dogs from so-called “wet markets” in China.
APHIS Issues Final AWA Licensing Provisions
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a final rule detailing changes to the Animal Welfare Act licensing requirements, including automatic termination of a license after three years and requiring that dogs have constant access to potable water. The rule will take effect on November 9, 2020.
University of Missouri to Pay $175,000 in Attorney Fees to Beagle Freedom Project
The University of Missouri has reportedly settled a suit brought by Beagle Freedom Project over attorney fees from a 2015 case in which the University asked the nonprofit to pay over $80,000 to fulfill a freedom of information records request.
New Jersey Considers Requiring Continuing Education for Animal Control Officers
New Jersey Assembly No. 4083 proposes to require continuing education courses for animal control officers and animal cruelty investigators.
New York Considers Ban on Euthanizing Companion Animals During Pandemic
New York Assembly Bill A10395 would establish a moratorium on euthanizing companion animals during the outbreak of COVID-19 for one year.
New Jersey Considers Allowing Service and Emotional Support Animals in Veterans’ Facilities
New Jersey Assembly No. 3981 would allow service animals and emotional support animals in any state veterans’ residential facility.
New York Considers Allowing Additional Compensation for Death of Companion Animals
New York Assembly Bill A10405 would allow for additional compensation in cases of an unjustifiable injury or death of a companion animal, based in part on the bond between the animal and human.
New York Considers Allowing Courts to Decide Companion Animal Ownership
New York Assembly Bill A10333 proposes to allow a court to determine the ownership of a companion animal in a divorce, separation, or action taken by roommates against one another.
Companion Animals and Domestic Violence Protection
An article published in the Florida Bar Journal argues that some provisions of domestic violence law should also apply to companion animals, giving family court judges more power over these custody disputes.