H.R. 6718, introduced by Democrat Ro Khanna, proposes to place a moratorium on concentrated animal feeding operations and to require country of origin labeling on some animal products. The full text of the bill has not yet been released.
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Updates/Pending Federal Actions
House Considers CAFO Moratorium Legislation
Senator Warren to Co-Sponsor Senator Booker’s Farm System Reform Act
Senator Elizabeth Warren announced that she will co-sponsor the Farm System Reform Act, legislation introduced in 2019 that would both prevent the construction of any new factory farms and require the closure of existing factory farms by the year 2040. The legislation would also amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to bolster antitrust enforcement and require country of origin labeling.
Senator Elizabeth Warren announced that she will co-sponsor the Farm System Reform Act, legislation introduced in 2019 that would both prevent the construction of any new factory farms and require the closure of existing factory farms by the year 2040. The legislation would also amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to bolster antitrust enforcement and require country of origin labeling.
Legislative Updates/Pending State Actions
New York Considers Shutting Down Live Animal Markets
New York Assembly Bill A10399 and Senate Bill S8291 propose to indefinitely ban the operation of markets that sell freshly slaughtered animals, sometimes referred to as wet markets. The legislation also proposes the formation of a task force to address public health and animal welfare concerns of slaughterhouses.
New York Assembly Bill A10399 and Senate Bill S8291 propose to indefinitely ban the operation of markets that sell freshly slaughtered animals, sometimes referred to as wet markets. The legislation also proposes the formation of a task force to address public health and animal welfare concerns of slaughterhouses.
Case Law Updates/Federal Case Law Updates
Federal Judge Dismisses Suit Brought by Smithfield Workers
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a nonprofit workers group and an unidentified worker at a Smithfield processing facility in Missouri alleging that the company failed to institute measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The judge ruled that the workers need to ask the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration about workplace protections.
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a nonprofit workers group and an unidentified worker at a Smithfield processing facility in Missouri alleging that the company failed to institute measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The judge ruled that the workers need to ask the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration about workplace protections.
Ben & Jerry’s “Happy Cows” Lawsuit Dismissed
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit alleging that the company advertises that it uses “happy cows” to make its ice cream despite the fact that most of the milk used in Ben & Jerry’s products is obtained from factory farming dairy operations. The ruling was based on the judge’s finding that the company never claimed it exclusively used milk from the humane program.
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit alleging that the company advertises that it uses “happy cows” to make its ice cream despite the fact that most of the milk used in Ben & Jerry’s products is obtained from factory farming dairy operations. The ruling was based on the judge’s finding that the company never claimed it exclusively used milk from the humane program.
Case Law Updates/State Case Law Updates
Meatpacker Sued in Coronavirus-Related Death in Texas
The wife of a forklift driver for Quality Sausage Co. who died from COVID-19 has filed suit against the company in Texas, claiming that clearly infected workers were required to continue working or face losing their jobs.
The wife of a forklift driver for Quality Sausage Co. who died from COVID-19 has filed suit against the company in Texas, claiming that clearly infected workers were required to continue working or face losing their jobs.
Meatpacker Sued in Coronavirus-Related Death in Pennsylvania
The family of a JBS meatpacking worker who died due to COVID-19 has filed suit against JBS in Pennsylvania, claiming that the unsafe conditions at a meatpacking plant led to the worker’s death.
The family of a JBS meatpacking worker who died due to COVID-19 has filed suit against JBS in Pennsylvania, claiming that the unsafe conditions at a meatpacking plant led to the worker’s death.
Other Updates
Trump Signs Executive Order Designed to Support Seafood Industry
President Trump has signed an Executive Order that directs the Department of Commerce to create a list of actions that will “reduce burdens on domestic fishing” within six months. The Order also directs agencies to complete all environmental reviews of proposed aquaculture projects within two years.
President Trump has signed an Executive Order that directs the Department of Commerce to create a list of actions that will “reduce burdens on domestic fishing” within six months. The Order also directs agencies to complete all environmental reviews of proposed aquaculture projects within two years.
Legislative Updates
Pending Federal Actions
House Considers CAFO Moratorium Legislation
H.R. 6718, introduced by Democrat Ro Khanna, proposes to place a moratorium on concentrated animal feeding operations and to require country of origin labeling on some animal products. The full text of the bill has not yet been released.
H.R. 6718, introduced by Democrat Ro Khanna, proposes to place a moratorium on concentrated animal feeding operations and to require country of origin labeling on some animal products. The full text of the bill has not yet been released.
Senator Warren to Co-Sponsor Senator Booker’s Farm System Reform Act
Senator Elizabeth Warren announced that she will co-sponsor the Farm System Reform Act, legislation introduced in 2019 that would both prevent the construction of any new factory farms and require the closure of existing factory farms by the year 2040. The legislation would also amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to bolster antitrust enforcement and require country of origin labeling.
Senator Elizabeth Warren announced that she will co-sponsor the Farm System Reform Act, legislation introduced in 2019 that would both prevent the construction of any new factory farms and require the closure of existing factory farms by the year 2040. The legislation would also amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to bolster antitrust enforcement and require country of origin labeling.
Pending State Actions
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 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 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 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 Jersey Assembly No. 3981 would allow service animals and emotional support animals in any state veterans’ residential facility.
New York Considers Shutting Down Live Animal Markets
New York Assembly Bill A10399 and Senate Bill S8291 propose to indefinitely ban the operation of markets that sell freshly slaughtered animals, sometimes referred to as wet markets. The legislation also proposes the formation of a task force to address public health and animal welfare concerns of slaughterhouses.
New York Assembly Bill A10399 and Senate Bill S8291 propose to indefinitely ban the operation of markets that sell freshly slaughtered animals, sometimes referred to as wet markets. The legislation also proposes the formation of a task force to address public health and animal welfare concerns of slaughterhouses.
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 Jersey Assembly No. 4083 proposes to require continuing education courses for animal control officers and animal cruelty investigators.
Case Law Updates
Federal Case Law Updates
Conservation Groups Sue Over Humboldt Marten Protections
The Center for Biological Diversity and the Environmental Protection Information Center have filed suit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, alleging that the agency’s failure to finalize protections for the Humboldt marten contradicts the agency’s own scientific research.
The Center for Biological Diversity and the Environmental Protection Information Center have filed suit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, alleging that the agency’s failure to finalize protections for the Humboldt marten contradicts the agency’s own scientific research.
Ninth Circuit Upholds Livestock Grazing Permitting Process
The Ninth Circuit upheld a ruling by a lower court that the Forest Service’s permitting process for livestock grazing near the habitat of a threatened trout species does not violate environmental protection rules. The lawsuit was brought by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Oregon Natural Desert Association.
The Ninth Circuit upheld a ruling by a lower court that the Forest Service’s permitting process for livestock grazing near the habitat of a threatened trout species does not violate environmental protection rules. The lawsuit was brought by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Oregon Natural Desert Association.
Federal Judge Dismisses Suit Brought by Smithfield Workers
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a nonprofit workers group and an unidentified worker at a Smithfield processing facility in Missouri alleging that the company failed to institute measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The judge ruled that the workers need to ask the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration about workplace protections.
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a nonprofit workers group and an unidentified worker at a Smithfield processing facility in Missouri alleging that the company failed to institute measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The judge ruled that the workers need to ask the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration about workplace protections.
Ninth Circuit Ends Suit Over Endangered Okinawa Dugong
The Ninth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit originally filed in 2003 by environmental groups challenging the Department of Defense’s construction and operation of an aircraft base in Okinawa on the basis that the Department failed to consider to the impacts of the base on the local dugong—a manatee-like species—population. The court affirmed the dismissal on the basis that the Department’s actions were within its discretion.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit originally filed in 2003 by environmental groups challenging the Department of Defense’s construction and operation of an aircraft base in Okinawa on the basis that the Department failed to consider to the impacts of the base on the local dugong—a manatee-like species—population. The court affirmed the dismissal on the basis that the Department’s actions were within its discretion.
Ben & Jerry’s “Happy Cows” Lawsuit Dismissed
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit alleging that the company advertises that it uses “happy cows” to make its ice cream despite the fact that most of the milk used in Ben & Jerry’s products is obtained from factory farming dairy operations. The ruling was based on the judge’s finding that the company never claimed it exclusively used milk from the humane program.
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit alleging that the company advertises that it uses “happy cows” to make its ice cream despite the fact that most of the milk used in Ben & Jerry’s products is obtained from factory farming dairy operations. The ruling was based on the judge’s finding that the company never claimed it exclusively used milk from the humane program.
EPA Claims Michigan Dairy Suit Continuing to Flout Environmental Protection Laws
The Environmental Protection Agency has filed suit against a Michigan dairy operation, Walnutdale Family Farms LLC, alleging that the company is violating the Clean Water Act and ignoring a consent decree between it and the agency.
The Environmental Protection Agency has filed suit against a Michigan dairy operation, Walnutdale Family Farms LLC, alleging that the company is violating the Clean Water Act and ignoring a consent decree between it and the agency.
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.
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.
State Case Law Updates
California Supreme Court Rules No Right to Jury Trial in False Advertising Suits
The Supreme Court of California has ruled that there is no right to jury trial in cases brought under the state Unfair Competition Law or False Advertising Law seeking injunctive relief or civil penalties.
The Supreme Court of California has ruled that there is no right to jury trial in cases brought under the state Unfair Competition Law or False Advertising Law seeking injunctive relief or civil penalties.
Meatpacker Sued in Coronavirus-Related Death in Texas
The wife of a forklift driver for Quality Sausage Co. who died from COVID-19 has filed suit against the company in Texas, claiming that clearly infected workers were required to continue working or face losing their jobs.
The wife of a forklift driver for Quality Sausage Co. who died from COVID-19 has filed suit against the company in Texas, claiming that clearly infected workers were required to continue working or face losing their jobs.
Meatpacker Sued in Coronavirus-Related Death in Pennsylvania
The family of a JBS meatpacking worker who died due to COVID-19 has filed suit against JBS in Pennsylvania, claiming that the unsafe conditions at a meatpacking plant led to the worker’s death.
The family of a JBS meatpacking worker who died due to COVID-19 has filed suit against JBS in Pennsylvania, claiming that the unsafe conditions at a meatpacking plant led to the worker’s death.
Agency Updates
FWS Establishes Island Marble Butterfly as Endangered and Designates Critical Habitat
The Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a final rule determining endangered species status for the island marble butterfly and designating approximately 812 acres in Washington as critical habitat for the species.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a final rule determining endangered species status for the island marble butterfly and designating approximately 812 acres in Washington as critical habitat for the species.
NMFS Issues Determinations of Overfishing
The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a notice that the Saint Matthew Island blue king crab, the American Samoa Bottomfish Multi-species Complex, and the Guam Bottomfish Multi-species Complex are overfished.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a notice that the Saint Matthew Island blue king crab, the American Samoa Bottomfish Multi-species Complex, and the Guam Bottomfish Multi-species Complex are overfished.
GAO Recommends FDA and USDA “Fully Incorporate” Collaboration Practices for Regulation of Cellular Agriculture
The U.S. Government Accountability Office has released its report on the partnership between the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture. The report recommends that the two agencies “more fully incorporate leading practices for effective collaboration in the agencies’ interagency agreement.”
The U.S. Government Accountability Office has released its report on the partnership between the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture. The report recommends that the two agencies “more fully incorporate leading practices for effective collaboration in the agencies’ interagency agreement.”
FWS Seeks Input on Management Plan for Bighorn Sheep
The Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will prepare a management plan for bighorn sheep for Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and an environmental impact statement for management actions. The agency is accepting comments on this action until June 8, 2020.
The Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will prepare a management plan for bighorn sheep for Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and an environmental impact statement for management actions. The agency is accepting comments on this action until June 8, 2020.
Academic Updates
Books
Book Examines Relationship of Kant’s Philosophy and Animals
A new book edited by John Callahan and Lucy Allais, Kant & Animals, is a first of its kind compilation that explores the philosophy of Immanuel Kant and the role of animals within it.
A new book edited by John Callahan and Lucy Allais, Kant & Animals, is a first of its kind compilation that explores the philosophy of Immanuel Kant and the role of animals within it.
Other Updates
Trump Signs Executive Order Designed to Support Seafood Industry
President Trump has signed an Executive Order that directs the Department of Commerce to create a list of actions that will “reduce burdens on domestic fishing” within six months. The Order also directs agencies to complete all environmental reviews of proposed aquaculture projects within two years.
President Trump has signed an Executive Order that directs the Department of Commerce to create a list of actions that will “reduce burdens on domestic fishing” within six months. The Order also directs agencies to complete all environmental reviews of proposed aquaculture projects within two years.