House Bill 631 would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow the importation of polar bear trophies taken in “sport hunts” in Canada, and House Bill 630 would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act “to allow importation of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date the polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.”
Issue 68
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Updates - Pending Federal Actions
Congress Considers Legislation Allowing Importation of Polar Bear Trophies
Legislative Updates - Pending State Actions
Florida Considers Right to Farm Bill
Florida Senate Bill 88 would prohibit holding farms liable for certain tort claims and prohibiting nuisance actions from being filed against farm operations unless specified conditions are met.
Florida Senate Bill 88 would prohibit holding farms liable for certain tort claims and prohibiting nuisance actions from being filed against farm operations unless specified conditions are met.
Massachusetts Considers Additional Standards for Egg-Laying Hens
Massachusetts House Bill 596 and Senate Bill 212 would mandate that egg-laying hens be allowed to engage in natural behaviors such as perching, dust bathing, and fully extending their wings.
Massachusetts House Bill 596 and Senate Bill 212 would mandate that egg-laying hens be allowed to engage in natural behaviors such as perching, dust bathing, and fully extending their wings.
Utah Legislation Would Regulate Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
Utah Senate Bill 130 would require that counties adopt CAFO land use ordinances that designate the areas within the county in which CAFOs may be located, establish procedures for applying for a land use decision, and provide for costs and fees of such regulation. The legislation also provides criteria for counties to consider in adopting the geographic area in which CAFOs may be located.
Utah Senate Bill 130 would require that counties adopt CAFO land use ordinances that designate the areas within the county in which CAFOs may be located, establish procedures for applying for a land use decision, and provide for costs and fees of such regulation. The legislation also provides criteria for counties to consider in adopting the geographic area in which CAFOs may be located.
Washington Considers Regulation of Fur Production
Washington House Bill 1372 would prohibit fur farming and the manufacture of fur products. The legislation would include exemptions for fur products used in religious or traditional tribal purposes, activities authorized by federal law, and used fur products.
Washington House Bill 1372 would prohibit fur farming and the manufacture of fur products. The legislation would include exemptions for fur products used in religious or traditional tribal purposes, activities authorized by federal law, and used fur products.
Texas Considers Law to Protect Animal Facilities
Texas Senate Bill 472 and House Bill 1480 would create a criminal offense if a person “intentionally releases, steals, destroys, or otherwise causes the loss of an animal or crop from an animal or crop facility without the consent of the owner,” “damages, vandalizes, or steals any property on or from an animal or crop facility,” “breaks and enters into an animal or crop facility with the intent to destroy or alter records, data, materials, equipment, animals, or crops,” “knowingly obtains control by theft or deception or asserts unauthorized control over any materials, equipment, animals, or crops of an animal or crop facility for the purpose of depriving the owner or operator of the facility or the facility of materials, equipment, animals, or crops,” or “enters or remains on an animal or crop facility with the intent to commit” any of the above listed acts.
Texas Senate Bill 472 and House Bill 1480 would create a criminal offense if a person “intentionally releases, steals, destroys, or otherwise causes the loss of an animal or crop from an animal or crop facility without the consent of the owner,” “damages, vandalizes, or steals any property on or from an animal or crop facility,” “breaks and enters into an animal or crop facility with the intent to destroy or alter records, data, materials, equipment, animals, or crops,” “knowingly obtains control by theft or deception or asserts unauthorized control over any materials, equipment, animals, or crops of an animal or crop facility for the purpose of depriving the owner or operator of the facility or the facility of materials, equipment, animals, or crops,” or “enters or remains on an animal or crop facility with the intent to commit” any of the above listed acts.
New York Considers Ban on Non-Therapeutic Use of Antimicrobial Agent in Animals Raised for Food
New York Senate Bill 3115 would prohibit the non-therapeutic use of antimicrobial agents in animals raised for use as human consumption. “Antimicrobial agent” is defined as “any drug or derivative of a drug that is used in humans or intended for use in humans to treat or prevent disease or infection, or any substance, whether produced synthetically or naturally, used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms.”
New York Senate Bill 3115 would prohibit the non-therapeutic use of antimicrobial agents in animals raised for use as human consumption. “Antimicrobial agent” is defined as “any drug or derivative of a drug that is used in humans or intended for use in humans to treat or prevent disease or infection, or any substance, whether produced synthetically or naturally, used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms.”
South Dakota Considers $18 Million in Emergency Funding for New Dairy Research and Extension Farm
South Dakota House Bill 1153 would declare an emergency and authorize the Board of Regents to contract for the design and construction of a new dairy research and extension farm on the campus of South Dakota State University.
South Dakota House Bill 1153 would declare an emergency and authorize the Board of Regents to contract for the design and construction of a new dairy research and extension farm on the campus of South Dakota State University.
Minnesota Considers Prohibiting Retail Sale of Cats and Dogs
Minnesota Senate Bill 370 would prohibit pet shops from selling or otherwise transferring ownership of a dog or a cat.
Minnesota Senate Bill 370 would prohibit pet shops from selling or otherwise transferring ownership of a dog or a cat.
Arizona Considers Minimum Space Requirements for Hens Used for Eggs
Arizona House Bill 2525 would require minimum standards for the housing of hens used for eggs and prohibit the sale of eggs obtained from hens confined in a manner not in compliance with the state requirements.
Arizona House Bill 2525 would require minimum standards for the housing of hens used for eggs and prohibit the sale of eggs obtained from hens confined in a manner not in compliance with the state requirements.
Rhode Island Considers Ban on Use of Live Animals in Medical Training
Rhode Island House Bill 5295 would prohibit educational programs training individuals in the medical treatment of human beings from using a live animal in the education or training of students, residents, or physicians if at least one other accredited training program in the state in the same medical discipline does not use live animals or there is an alternative teaching method that teaches the medical procedure or lesson without the use of an animal.
Rhode Island House Bill 5295 would prohibit educational programs training individuals in the medical treatment of human beings from using a live animal in the education or training of students, residents, or physicians if at least one other accredited training program in the state in the same medical discipline does not use live animals or there is an alternative teaching method that teaches the medical procedure or lesson without the use of an animal.
Case Law Updates - Federal Case Law Updates
Fish and Wildlife Service Must Resume Release of Captive Red Wolves
A federal judge in North Carolina has ruled that the Fish and Wildlife Service must develop a plan by March 1, 2021 to resume its practice of releasing captive red wolves in North Carolina. The suit was originally brought by the Red Wolf Coalition, Defenders of Wildlife, and Animal Welfare Institute.
A federal judge in North Carolina has ruled that the Fish and Wildlife Service must develop a plan by March 1, 2021 to resume its practice of releasing captive red wolves in North Carolina. The suit was originally brought by the Red Wolf Coalition, Defenders of Wildlife, and Animal Welfare Institute.
Academic Updates - Articles
Article Explores Factory Farming Funding and the Global Food Supply
A new article by Carlie Leonia and Kenneth Anspach, “Killing Factory Farm Funding to Resuscitate the World Food Economy,” explores the interaction of American regulation of agricultural commodities, factory farming, and the need to sustainably feed a growing global population.
A new article by Carlie Leonia and Kenneth Anspach, “Killing Factory Farm Funding to Resuscitate the World Food Economy,” explores the interaction of American regulation of agricultural commodities, factory farming, and the need to sustainably feed a growing global population.
Other Updates
Biden Withdraws Poultry Processing Speeds Executive Order
President Biden has withdrawn an executive order that would have allowed poultry processing plants to slaughter 175 birds per minute.
President Biden has withdrawn an executive order that would have allowed poultry processing plants to slaughter 175 birds per minute.
Legislative Updates
Pending Federal Actions
Congress Considers Legislation Allowing Importation of Polar Bear Trophies
House Bill 631 would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow the importation of polar bear trophies taken in “sport hunts” in Canada, and House Bill 630 would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act “to allow importation of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date the polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.”
House Bill 631 would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow the importation of polar bear trophies taken in “sport hunts” in Canada, and House Bill 630 would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act “to allow importation of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date the polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.”
Pending State Actions
Kentucky Considers Change to Law Governing Torture of Dogs and Cats
Kentucky House Bill 57 would add specific acts to the definition of “torture” to a dog or cat, make all instances of torture to a dog or cat a Class D felony, make each instance of torture a separate offense, and provide exemptions when the intent is not to cause, increase, or prolong the pain or suffering of the animal.
Kentucky House Bill 57 would add specific acts to the definition of “torture” to a dog or cat, make all instances of torture to a dog or cat a Class D felony, make each instance of torture a separate offense, and provide exemptions when the intent is not to cause, increase, or prolong the pain or suffering of the animal.
Kentucky Considers Establishing Civil Immunity for Removal of Companion Animals from Hot Cars
Kentucky House Bill 99 and Senate Bill 33 would provide civil immunity for a person who damages a vehicle in the process of removing a cat or dog who they reasonably and in good-faith believe to be in immediate danger of death.
Kentucky House Bill 99 and Senate Bill 33 would provide civil immunity for a person who damages a vehicle in the process of removing a cat or dog who they reasonably and in good-faith believe to be in immediate danger of death.
Kentucky Legislation Would Regulate Seizure of Animal Cruelty Victims
Kentucky House Bill 100 would require timely notification of seizure of an animal as part of the enforcement of an animal cruelty offense, create a procedure for seizing agencies to petition a court to order payment of animal care costs by owner, and prohibit the destruction of seized animals.
Kentucky House Bill 100 would require timely notification of seizure of an animal as part of the enforcement of an animal cruelty offense, create a procedure for seizing agencies to petition a court to order payment of animal care costs by owner, and prohibit the destruction of seized animals.
Kentucky Considers Prohibiting Misrepresentation of Service Animals
Kentucky Senate Bill 57 would prohibit the representation of companion dogs as assistance dogs and allow peace or animal control officers to investigate such representation.
Kentucky Senate Bill 57 would prohibit the representation of companion dogs as assistance dogs and allow peace or animal control officers to investigate such representation.
Kentucky Considers Including Violence Against Animal as Domestic Violence and Abuse
Kentucky House Bill 26 would include violence against a companion animal within the definition of “domestic violence and abuse” and “dating violence and abuse.” The legislation would also allow a judge to award possession of companion animals to the petitioner in domestic violence orders.
Kentucky House Bill 26 would include violence against a companion animal within the definition of “domestic violence and abuse” and “dating violence and abuse.” The legislation would also allow a judge to award possession of companion animals to the petitioner in domestic violence orders.
New Hampshire Considers Allowing Private Citizens to Rescue Animals from Hot Cars
New Hampshire Senate Bill 110 would allow an individual to take measures to rescue a confined animal endangered by extreme temperatures as long as authorized by a law enforcement officer and witnessed by another individual.
New Hampshire Senate Bill 110 would allow an individual to take measures to rescue a confined animal endangered by extreme temperatures as long as authorized by a law enforcement officer and witnessed by another individual.
New York Considers Providing Liability for Medical Costs as a Result of Dog Bites
New York Senate Bill 2820 would create strict liability for medical costs resulting from a dog bite and allows for additional recovery if the dog had dangerous propensities. The bill provides exemptions for police dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs.
New York Senate Bill 2820 would create strict liability for medical costs resulting from a dog bite and allows for additional recovery if the dog had dangerous propensities. The bill provides exemptions for police dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs.
California Considers Prohibiting Bear Hunting
California Senate Bill 252 would prohibit the hunting, trapping, or other taking of bears except for under certain circumstances.
California Senate Bill 252 would prohibit the hunting, trapping, or other taking of bears except for under certain circumstances.
Hawaii Considers Granting Legal Personhood to Mauna Kea
Hawaii House Bill 693 would grant Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, legal personhood.
Hawaii House Bill 693 would grant Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, legal personhood.
Florida Considers Right to Farm Bill
Florida Senate Bill 88 would prohibit holding farms liable for certain tort claims and prohibiting nuisance actions from being filed against farm operations unless specified conditions are met.
Florida Senate Bill 88 would prohibit holding farms liable for certain tort claims and prohibiting nuisance actions from being filed against farm operations unless specified conditions are met.
South Dakota Considers Authorizing Hunting with Crossbow
South Dakota House Bill 1087 would authorize the use of a crossbow for hunting if the person is sixty years of age or older.
South Dakota House Bill 1087 would authorize the use of a crossbow for hunting if the person is sixty years of age or older.
Massachusetts Considers Tax Credit for Animal Adoptions
Massachusetts House Bill 515 would establish a tax credit for the adoption of a cat or dog from an animal shelter: $100 for the adoption of a cat, $200 for the adoption of a dog who is one to six years old, and $400 for the adoption of a dog who is seven years or older.
Massachusetts House Bill 515 would establish a tax credit for the adoption of a cat or dog from an animal shelter: $100 for the adoption of a cat, $200 for the adoption of a dog who is one to six years old, and $400 for the adoption of a dog who is seven years or older.
Massachusetts Considers Additional Standards for Egg-Laying Hens
Massachusetts House Bill 596 and Senate Bill 212 would mandate that egg-laying hens be allowed to engage in natural behaviors such as perching, dust bathing, and fully extending their wings.
Massachusetts House Bill 596 and Senate Bill 212 would mandate that egg-laying hens be allowed to engage in natural behaviors such as perching, dust bathing, and fully extending their wings.
Minnesota Considers Prohibition on Companion Animal Euthanasia Using Non-anesthetic Gas
Minnesota Senate Bill 335 would prohibit the knowing use of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or other non-anesthetic gas to euthanize a companion animal.
Minnesota Senate Bill 335 would prohibit the knowing use of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or other non-anesthetic gas to euthanize a companion animal.
Massachusetts Considers Establishing Commission on Livestock Shelter Requirements
Massachusetts House Bill 629 would establish a commission on livestock shelter requirements and task the commission with publishing, within eighteen months, standards for the appropriate sheltering of livestock from weather elements.
Massachusetts House Bill 629 would establish a commission on livestock shelter requirements and task the commission with publishing, within eighteen months, standards for the appropriate sheltering of livestock from weather elements.
Utah Legislation Would Regulate Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
Utah Senate Bill 130 would require that counties adopt CAFO land use ordinances that designate the areas within the county in which CAFOs may be located, establish procedures for applying for a land use decision, and provide for costs and fees of such regulation. The legislation also provides criteria for counties to consider in adopting the geographic area in which CAFOs may be located.
Utah Senate Bill 130 would require that counties adopt CAFO land use ordinances that designate the areas within the county in which CAFOs may be located, establish procedures for applying for a land use decision, and provide for costs and fees of such regulation. The legislation also provides criteria for counties to consider in adopting the geographic area in which CAFOs may be located.
Washington Considers Regulation of Fur Production
Washington House Bill 1372 would prohibit fur farming and the manufacture of fur products. The legislation would include exemptions for fur products used in religious or traditional tribal purposes, activities authorized by federal law, and used fur products.
Washington House Bill 1372 would prohibit fur farming and the manufacture of fur products. The legislation would include exemptions for fur products used in religious or traditional tribal purposes, activities authorized by federal law, and used fur products.
New York Considers Allowing Access to Live Fingerprinting for SPCA Officers
New York Senate Bill 2978 and Assembly Bill 3445 would allow a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals officer to access the live scan fingerprinting system following an arrest by such officer.
New York Senate Bill 2978 and Assembly Bill 3445 would allow a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals officer to access the live scan fingerprinting system following an arrest by such officer.
New York Considers Five Year Ban on Animal Ownership for Convicted Animal Abusers
New York Assembly Bill 3444 would prohibit persons convicted of animal cruelty from owning, harboring, possessing, adopting, fostering or exercising control over a companion animal for a period set by the court for “not less than five years after such conviction or if applicable, not less than five years after the convicted person's release from imprisonment, whichever is longer.”
New York Assembly Bill 3444 would prohibit persons convicted of animal cruelty from owning, harboring, possessing, adopting, fostering or exercising control over a companion animal for a period set by the court for “not less than five years after such conviction or if applicable, not less than five years after the convicted person's release from imprisonment, whichever is longer.”
Hawaii Considers Authorizing Participation in Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
Hawaii Senate Bill 1175 would authorize the Department of Land and Natural Resources to enter into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact or similar agreement for mutual assistance in the enforcement of wildlife laws and provide employees who act within the scope of administering the agreement immunity from civil liability, legal representation, and indemnification from damages.
Hawaii Senate Bill 1175 would authorize the Department of Land and Natural Resources to enter into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact or similar agreement for mutual assistance in the enforcement of wildlife laws and provide employees who act within the scope of administering the agreement immunity from civil liability, legal representation, and indemnification from damages.
Texas Considers Law to Protect Animal Facilities
Texas Senate Bill 472 and House Bill 1480 would create a criminal offense if a person “intentionally releases, steals, destroys, or otherwise causes the loss of an animal or crop from an animal or crop facility without the consent of the owner,” “damages, vandalizes, or steals any property on or from an animal or crop facility,” “breaks and enters into an animal or crop facility with the intent to destroy or alter records, data, materials, equipment, animals, or crops,” “knowingly obtains control by theft or deception or asserts unauthorized control over any materials, equipment, animals, or crops of an animal or crop facility for the purpose of depriving the owner or operator of the facility or the facility of materials, equipment, animals, or crops,” or “enters or remains on an animal or crop facility with the intent to commit” any of the above listed acts.
Texas Senate Bill 472 and House Bill 1480 would create a criminal offense if a person “intentionally releases, steals, destroys, or otherwise causes the loss of an animal or crop from an animal or crop facility without the consent of the owner,” “damages, vandalizes, or steals any property on or from an animal or crop facility,” “breaks and enters into an animal or crop facility with the intent to destroy or alter records, data, materials, equipment, animals, or crops,” “knowingly obtains control by theft or deception or asserts unauthorized control over any materials, equipment, animals, or crops of an animal or crop facility for the purpose of depriving the owner or operator of the facility or the facility of materials, equipment, animals, or crops,” or “enters or remains on an animal or crop facility with the intent to commit” any of the above listed acts.
New York Considers Allowing Inclusion of Companion Animals in Orders of Protection
New York Senate Bill 3039 would allow a court to issue orders of protection for companion animals
New York Senate Bill 3039 would allow a court to issue orders of protection for companion animals
Rhode Island Considers Ban on Fur Trade
Rhode Island House Bill 5188 would prohibit the sale, trade, or other distribution for monetary or non-monetary consideration of a fur product. The legislation includes exemptions for used products, products used in the practice of a religion, or an activity involving a fur product that is expressly authorized by federal or state law.
Rhode Island House Bill 5188 would prohibit the sale, trade, or other distribution for monetary or non-monetary consideration of a fur product. The legislation includes exemptions for used products, products used in the practice of a religion, or an activity involving a fur product that is expressly authorized by federal or state law.
Michigan Considers Ban on Providing Animal to Individual Who Intends to Abuse the Animal
Michigan Senate Bill 50 would forbid knowingly providing an animal to another individual who intends to abuse or mistreat the animal.
Michigan Senate Bill 50 would forbid knowingly providing an animal to another individual who intends to abuse or mistreat the animal.
Michigan Considers Changes to Sentencing Guidelines for Animal Cruelty
Michigan Senate Bill 51 would make providing an animal to another individual who intends to use the animal in animal fighting a Class F felony, providing an animal to an abuser a Class E, F, or G felony.
Michigan Senate Bill 51 would make providing an animal to another individual who intends to use the animal in animal fighting a Class F felony, providing an animal to an abuser a Class E, F, or G felony.
Hawaii Considers Mandatory Microchipping of Companion Animals
Hawaii House Bill 1287 would require that owners of cats and dogs microchip their companion animals and require that veterinary clinics and animal shelters release only the chip identification number to the finder upon request.
Hawaii House Bill 1287 would require that owners of cats and dogs microchip their companion animals and require that veterinary clinics and animal shelters release only the chip identification number to the finder upon request.
New York Considers Ban on Non-Therapeutic Use of Antimicrobial Agent in Animals Raised for Food
New York Senate Bill 3115 would prohibit the non-therapeutic use of antimicrobial agents in animals raised for use as human consumption. “Antimicrobial agent” is defined as “any drug or derivative of a drug that is used in humans or intended for use in humans to treat or prevent disease or infection, or any substance, whether produced synthetically or naturally, used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms.”
New York Senate Bill 3115 would prohibit the non-therapeutic use of antimicrobial agents in animals raised for use as human consumption. “Antimicrobial agent” is defined as “any drug or derivative of a drug that is used in humans or intended for use in humans to treat or prevent disease or infection, or any substance, whether produced synthetically or naturally, used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms.”
New York Considers Allowing Crossbow Hunting Season
New York Assembly Bill 3550 would allow persons over the age of 62 and persons physically disabled and over the age of 14 to hunt with crossbows during a special longbow hunting season.
New York Assembly Bill 3550 would allow persons over the age of 62 and persons physically disabled and over the age of 14 to hunt with crossbows during a special longbow hunting season.
South Dakota Considers $18 Million in Emergency Funding for New Dairy Research and Extension Farm
South Dakota House Bill 1153 would declare an emergency and authorize the Board of Regents to contract for the design and construction of a new dairy research and extension farm on the campus of South Dakota State University.
South Dakota House Bill 1153 would declare an emergency and authorize the Board of Regents to contract for the design and construction of a new dairy research and extension farm on the campus of South Dakota State University.
Minnesota Considers Prohibiting Retail Sale of Cats and Dogs
Minnesota Senate Bill 370 would prohibit pet shops from selling or otherwise transferring ownership of a dog or a cat.
Minnesota Senate Bill 370 would prohibit pet shops from selling or otherwise transferring ownership of a dog or a cat.
Iowa Considers Use of Anaerobic Digesters as Alternative to Manure Storage
Iowa House Bill 287 would authorize confined animal feeding operations to use an anaerobic digester instead of the current requirement that such an operation use a manure storage structure that employs bacterial action, is maintained by the utilization of air or oxygen, and includes aeration equipment.
Iowa House Bill 287 would authorize confined animal feeding operations to use an anaerobic digester instead of the current requirement that such an operation use a manure storage structure that employs bacterial action, is maintained by the utilization of air or oxygen, and includes aeration equipment.
New York Considers Allowing Use of Term “Human Grade” on Companion Animal Food
New York Senate Bill 3212 would permit commercial feed manufacturers to use the term “human grade” for companion animal food if it adheres to certain standards.
New York Senate Bill 3212 would permit commercial feed manufacturers to use the term “human grade” for companion animal food if it adheres to certain standards.
New York Considers Allowing Compensation for Unjustifiable Injury or Death of Companion Animal
New York Assembly Bill 3732 would provide for the recovery of damages from another person who negligently, recklessly, or intentionally causes unjustifiable physical injury or death of their companion animal.
New York Assembly Bill 3732 would provide for the recovery of damages from another person who negligently, recklessly, or intentionally causes unjustifiable physical injury or death of their companion animal.
New York Considers Requiring Cage-Free Housing Systems for Hens Used for Eggs
New York Assembly Bill 3630 would require that all hens used for eggs be confined in a cage-free system and forbid the sale of shell egg or liquid egg products for human consumption if the seller knows or should have known that the egg was produced in a facility that does not comply with the state requirements for confinement.
New York Assembly Bill 3630 would require that all hens used for eggs be confined in a cage-free system and forbid the sale of shell egg or liquid egg products for human consumption if the seller knows or should have known that the egg was produced in a facility that does not comply with the state requirements for confinement.
New York Considers Establishing Right to Farm Within Agricultural Districts
New York Senate Bill 3191 would provide that the use or storage of manure within an agricultural district may not be deemed a public nuisance under local laws restricting farming operations.
New York Senate Bill 3191 would provide that the use or storage of manure within an agricultural district may not be deemed a public nuisance under local laws restricting farming operations.
New York Considers Requiring Closed Circuit Cameras in Slaughterhouses
New York Assembly Bill 3693 would require that slaughterhouses have a closed circuit camera and television system in all areas with live animals and would establish a mandatory reporting requirement for any authorized person reviewing the footage who witnesses a violation of law pertaining to the humane treatment of animals.
New York Assembly Bill 3693 would require that slaughterhouses have a closed circuit camera and television system in all areas with live animals and would establish a mandatory reporting requirement for any authorized person reviewing the footage who witnesses a violation of law pertaining to the humane treatment of animals.
New York Legislation Would Allow Court to Determine Legal Ownership of Companion Animal
New York Assembly Bill 3724 would allow a court to determine legal ownership of a companion animal, taking into consideration the well-being of the companion animal, during proceedings for dissolution of marriage or legal separation by individuals who have both resided with the companion animal.
New York Assembly Bill 3724 would allow a court to determine legal ownership of a companion animal, taking into consideration the well-being of the companion animal, during proceedings for dissolution of marriage or legal separation by individuals who have both resided with the companion animal.
New York Legislation Would Make Aggravated Cruelty to Animals a Class D or E Felony
New York Assembly Bill 3726 would define aggravated cruelty to animals as a class E felony and make the offense of aggravated cruelty to animals in the presence of a child a class D felony.
New York Assembly Bill 3726 would define aggravated cruelty to animals as a class E felony and make the offense of aggravated cruelty to animals in the presence of a child a class D felony.
Arizona Considers Minimum Space Requirements for Hens Used for Eggs
Arizona House Bill 2525 would require minimum standards for the housing of hens used for eggs and prohibit the sale of eggs obtained from hens confined in a manner not in compliance with the state requirements.
Arizona House Bill 2525 would require minimum standards for the housing of hens used for eggs and prohibit the sale of eggs obtained from hens confined in a manner not in compliance with the state requirements.
Arizona Considers Regulations for Landlords to Care for Companion Animals in Case of Tenant Death
Arizona House Bill 2507 would amend requirements for landlords in the case of the death of their tenants to provide for the care of companion animals of such tenant.
Arizona House Bill 2507 would amend requirements for landlords in the case of the death of their tenants to provide for the care of companion animals of such tenant.
Massachusetts Considers Ban on Retail Sale of Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits in Pet Shops
Massachusetts House Bill 929 would ban the retail sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits in pet shops.
Massachusetts House Bill 929 would ban the retail sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits in pet shops.
Illinois Considers Changes to Allow for Practice of Veterinary Chiropractic Care
Illinois House Bill 337 would amend the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 to provide that nothing in the Act applies to a chiropractic physician licensed in the state and certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association performing chiropractic care on animals.
Illinois House Bill 337 would amend the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 to provide that nothing in the Act applies to a chiropractic physician licensed in the state and certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association performing chiropractic care on animals.
Rhode Island Considers Ban on Use of Live Animals in Medical Training
Rhode Island House Bill 5295 would prohibit educational programs training individuals in the medical treatment of human beings from using a live animal in the education or training of students, residents, or physicians if at least one other accredited training program in the state in the same medical discipline does not use live animals or there is an alternative teaching method that teaches the medical procedure or lesson without the use of an animal.
Rhode Island House Bill 5295 would prohibit educational programs training individuals in the medical treatment of human beings from using a live animal in the education or training of students, residents, or physicians if at least one other accredited training program in the state in the same medical discipline does not use live animals or there is an alternative teaching method that teaches the medical procedure or lesson without the use of an animal.
Illinois Considers Expanding Ivory Ban to Apply to Parts of Eighteen Other Species
Illinois House Bill 395 would expand the current ban on ivory and rhinoceros horn to any item that contains or is wholly or partially made from the body of a cheetah, elephant, giraffe, great ape, hippopotamus, jaguar, leopard, lion, monk seal, narwhal, pangolin, ray, shark, rhinoceros, sea turtle, tiger, walrus, or whale.
Illinois House Bill 395 would expand the current ban on ivory and rhinoceros horn to any item that contains or is wholly or partially made from the body of a cheetah, elephant, giraffe, great ape, hippopotamus, jaguar, leopard, lion, monk seal, narwhal, pangolin, ray, shark, rhinoceros, sea turtle, tiger, walrus, or whale.
New York Considers Increased Penalties for Environmental Conservation Laws
New York Assembly Bill 3930 would increase the maximum financial penalties for violations of the environmental conservation laws from $2,000 to $4,000 and from $350 to $700 for each animal or part thereof involved in the violation.
New York Assembly Bill 3930 would increase the maximum financial penalties for violations of the environmental conservation laws from $2,000 to $4,000 and from $350 to $700 for each animal or part thereof involved in the violation.
Case Law Updates
Federal Case Law Updates
Fish and Wildlife Service Must Resume Release of Captive Red Wolves
A federal judge in North Carolina has ruled that the Fish and Wildlife Service must develop a plan by March 1, 2021 to resume its practice of releasing captive red wolves in North Carolina. The suit was originally brought by the Red Wolf Coalition, Defenders of Wildlife, and Animal Welfare Institute.
A federal judge in North Carolina has ruled that the Fish and Wildlife Service must develop a plan by March 1, 2021 to resume its practice of releasing captive red wolves in North Carolina. The suit was originally brought by the Red Wolf Coalition, Defenders of Wildlife, and Animal Welfare Institute.
Academic Updates
Articles
Article Explores Factory Farming Funding and the Global Food Supply
A new article by Carlie Leonia and Kenneth Anspach, “Killing Factory Farm Funding to Resuscitate the World Food Economy,” explores the interaction of American regulation of agricultural commodities, factory farming, and the need to sustainably feed a growing global population.
A new article by Carlie Leonia and Kenneth Anspach, “Killing Factory Farm Funding to Resuscitate the World Food Economy,” explores the interaction of American regulation of agricultural commodities, factory farming, and the need to sustainably feed a growing global population.
Other Updates
Biden Withdraws Poultry Processing Speeds Executive Order
President Biden has withdrawn an executive order that would have allowed poultry processing plants to slaughter 175 birds per minute.
President Biden has withdrawn an executive order that would have allowed poultry processing plants to slaughter 175 birds per minute.