Laws

Ludicrous Lawsuit: Special Interest Groups Sue NYC To Overturn New Pup

Today in ridiculous lawsuit news, a “special interest group” says that New York City Laws banning pet stores from selling Puppy Mill puppies will…

Kentucky One Step Closer To Outlawing Dog Fighting

Kentucky is the last state in the U.S. to end dog fighting – but a new bill is hoping to change all that. We’re pleased to report that the state…

Washington Supreme Court Rules in Favor Of Girl and Her Service Dog

The Washington State Supreme Court rules that a previous decision must be reviewed in the case of a school district that banned a service dog.

New Mexico Lawmakers Consider Pet Food Tax For Spay and Neuter Program

New Mexico just endorsed a $100 fee to brand-name pet food manufacturers in an effort to help pay for spay and neutering costs for dogs and cats.

City Of Mississauga Passes Milestone Ban On Outdoor Confinement For Pe

With the new bylaw in place, owners will no longer be allowed to leave dogs outside for extended periods of time. Dogs in Mississauga, Ontario, just let out…

More States Mandating Animal Abusers to Register as Offenders

It's about time! More states are requiring animal abusers to register as animal offenders, and we couldn't be more pleased.

Great News: Nevada’s New Bill 185 Bans Lease-to-Own Dogs

You may have heard about this dog scam - you can "Lease-to-own" a pooch. States are cracking down on it - Nevada has now banned the disturbing trend.

Montreal Ban Against Pitbulls Passed – And We’re Not Surprised

Montreal's breed ban has many outraged. Shocking, yes... but this comes as no surprise to those who know Quebec's blase attitude toward animal welfare.

New Jersey Bill Will Require Dog Trainers To Be State-Licensed

There’s a new bill in front of New Jersey lawmakers, and if passed, would make New Jersey the first state in the country to require dog trainers to be…

Los Angeles Will Be a “No-Kill Shelter” City by End of 2017

Arbitrary euthanasia at animal shelters in Los Angeles is coming to an end, thanks to the tireless work of Best Friends Animal Society.

England’s Lucy’s Law To Ban Pet Stores From Selling Pets

A ban preventing licensed dog and cat sellers from selling pets under eight-weeks-old will come into effect in England on October 1, and may be followed by a…

Maryland Lawmakers Work To End Breed Discrimination By Insurance Compa

Lawmakers in the state of Maryland have heard the pleas from constituents to stop insurance companies from discriminating against certain breeds of their dog…

New NJ Law Seeks To Ban Sale Of Puppy Mill Dogs

Four paws up for New Jersey! The state is seeking to ban the sale of dogs from puppy mills once and for all with the passage of a new law.

New Amendment Protecting Pets Brings Politicians Together

Great news in the U.S. - Lawmakers are coming together to stop the use of federal funding in barbaric experiments on cats and dogs.

New San Francisco Law: Pet Stores Can Only Sell Rescue Pets

A new amendment to a health code in San Francisco now bans pet stores within the city from selling dogs or cats - but they can come from rescues.

Florida’s New Law Prevents Animal Abusers From Having Pets Ever Agai

The new bill named Ponce's Law will enable judges to prevent abusers from owning animals again, as well as increase their chance of jail time.

Can You Leave Your Estate to Your Dog?

Do you have a will? And for dog parents, you have some decisions to make about how your pooch will be taken care of in the event of your death.

New California Law Considers Dogs Of Divorce As Family Members

California has joined two other states in America that adopted laws considering dogs to be family members and not property if ever a dispute in court occurs.…

Montreal SPCA Won’t Let Pitbulls Be Put Down Without A Fight

The Montreal City Council passed a bylaw that mandated death sentences for thousands of innocent, healthy dogs. But the Montreal SPCA is fighting back!

Should A Breeder Be Allowed to Manipulate Genes in Order to Eradicate

A Mississippi breeder wants to manipulate dog genetics to wipe out inbred disease. But FDA regulations pose roadblocks in the ethics of dog breeding.

Brits Required To Microchip Dogs or Face $1000 Fine

It's a smart thing to do, and in a couple of weeks, it'll be the law. British dog owners must microchip their dogs or face some steep penalties.

New Bill Introduced To Bring Retired Military Dogs Home After Overseas

The Military Working Dog Retirement Act means to leave no dog behind after serving their duty. If the law passes, military dogs will be brought back to the U…

California Pet Stores Now Only Sell Rescue Animals As New Law Passes

California's made history with Governor Jerry Brown's signing of legislation that requires pet stores to only sell animals from non-profit rescue groups.

New York Senate Votes For Bill Allowing Dogs In Outdoor Dining Areas

Great news for Foodies! This summer, you’ll be able to dine out with your dog in New York restaurant patios. In a bid to ban the oft requested doggie-b…

N.Y. OKs Dogs In Restaurants’ Outdoor Dining Areas

Feel like dining al fresco with your pooch on a patio? In New York, a new law has passed that makes it legal to eat with your dog on restaurant patios.

Montreal Pit Bull Ban Suspended While SPCA Challenges Bylaw

The controversial law that was a death sentence for thousands of pit bulls has been given a stay while the SPCA challenges it--but isn't permanent just yet.

Montreal Mayor Works To Fulfill Campaign Promise to Repeal Pit Bull Ba

There's a new mayor in Montreal, and animal activists are cheering her on as she promises to repeal a controversial ban on pit-bull and pit-bull type dogs.

Newly Adopted Dog May Lose Forever Home Because of His Looks

Exiling a dog from it's owner solely based on looks? Sounds to us like Waterford Township officials have some explaining to do.

California To Become First State With Animal Cruelty-Free Cosmetics La

California has passed a historic law that will prohibit manufacturers from selling any cosmetic/ beauty products that have been tested on animals. California…

Washington State Fights Service Dog Fraud With New Bill

People who try to pass off their pet as an "emotional support dog" or "comfort animal" will be cited with a civil infraction and fined up to $500.

Mississippi Votes To Make Dog Fighting a Felony

Mississippi lawmakers are making dog fighters face stiffer penalties, including felony offenses punishable with up to $5,000 fines.

Landmark Ruling: Animals Can Now Be Considered Victims In The Eyes Of

It’s about time – Oregon judge rules that animals are victims, not property Great news out of Oregon –a landmark ruling has declared that a…

New Bill Passed to Bring Military Dogs Back Home

The Military Working Dog Retirement Act has been passed, guaranteeing that every single military dog comes back home once retired or decommissioned.

Historic Bill Banning Puppy Mill Pet Store Sales in Hands of Californi

Legislation that will ban the pet store sale of all dogs, cats, and rabbits from commercial breeding facilities waits for governor's signature.

Forest Lawn First Cemetery To Open Its Gates To Pets and Their Owners

When pets cross the Rainbow Bridge, where will their final resting place be? Forest Lawn Cemeteries allows pet remains to be buried with owners.

New “Hot Dog In Car” Law Will Grant First Responders Immunity

A new bill in Pennsylvania sets out actions first responders can take to save pets overheating in cars, and allows officials to charge pet owners.

Shocking “A Dog’s Purpose” Footage Filmed Last Summer – Why Ar

A Dog's Purpose is set to hit the big screens next week, but with TMZ footage showing alleged animal abuse, activists are boycotting the film.

PACT Act Would Make Animal Abuse A Felony Across The Country

A new bill re-introduced by two members of the U.S. House of representatives would make animal cruelty a nationwide felony offense, and those convicted of th…

No Strays In The Netherlands – How Do They Do It?

It may seem sort of incredible to imagine a country where there are no stray pets. The Netherlands shares how strays are off the streets and in homes.

New Legislation May Create “Dog Offenders” List

A new bill being introduced to the Michigan legislature aims to create an offenders' list of 'dangerous dogs' and hold owners more accountable for bites.

Medicinal Marijuana May Soon Be Available For Pets In Nevada

It’s high time we came up with a solution! It works for humans, and now senior and terminally ill dogs could soon benefit from cannabis. It’s a g…

Proposed Legislation To Help Prevent Opioid Fraud At Vets’ Offices

As more attention is drawn to the opioid addiction crisis, a new angle has come into the issue: humans using their pets as ways to 'score' their fixes.

New Florida Legislation Allows Therapy Dogs in Court

The justice system is changing around the US, and Florida is the latest state allowing therapy dogs in court to help the vulnerable testify.

Calling All Canadians: Sign The Petition To Ban Electric Shock Collars

We're with David Suzuki! If you're Canadian and against the use of Shock Collars on dogs, you'll want to sign the petition to get them banned.

UK Vets Warn Against Owning Flat-Faced Breeds

Pugs and other flat-faced breeds are a popular pet choice. But the British Veterinary Association is urging caution to those considering this type of dog.

New Ohio Laws Fine Drivers With Distracting Dogs

We all know driving while distracted is dangerous, but have you ever thought about distraction from your pets while driving? One town in Ohio has, and now ha…

California Passes Law That Allows Dogs To Dine On Restaurant Patios

Take your dog on a dinner date – new law lets your dog dine with you It’s a great day for Californian foodies who want to bring their dogs out to…

ASPCA Wants The Department of Justice To #GetTough On Dog Fighting Law

Help save dogs from the fighting ring by urging the Justice Department to pursue more dog fighting cases! It’s a despicable crime that was outlawed in…

USDA Moves Animal Welfare Records; Sparks Concern About Secretary Nomi

The U.S. Department of Agriculture unexpectedly removed inspection reports and other information that had previously been available to the general public.

Arizona Reverses Sale Ban, Allows Pet Stores to Sell Dogs and Cats

Arizona's new law allows pet stores to once again sell puppies and kittens, as long as certain information is provided to the customer... but is it enough?

New Canadian Law Makes It A Criminal Offence To Harm Service Dogs

How can this not be a law already?! Thanks to the proposed Quanto's Law in Canada, thugs who hurt police, military or service animals will do hard time.

Britain Passes New Dog Microchipping Law

Britain has decided to make microchipping mandatory for all pets by April 2016 in the hopes of returning lost dogs to its owners.

Delaware Legislation Now Protects Dogs From Breed Discrimination

Common sense may be prevailing. Delaware joins several U.S. states that have adopted "Breed Bias" laws that prevent discrimination against dogs.

Ohio City Bans Dog Tethering Outside Overnight

A new city ordinance in Columbus, Ohio will prohibit people from tethering dogs outside overnight, and place stronger restrictions animal tethering.

Report: Best And Worst US States For Animal Protection Laws

A new report by the Animal Legal Defense Fund has ranked states based on their laws and the punishments for breaking them.

Montreal’s New Mayor Overturns Controversial BSL Ban of Pit Bulls

After much back and forth over banning Pit Bulls, Montreal has finally come to a decision - and has overturned the decision to ban the mixed breed dog.

Michigan Pushes For Felony Charges When Owners Leave Pets in Cars

Tired of hearing about pets who die in hot cars? So are two Michigan lawmakers who have introduced bills that will make this crime a felony.

Thanks to Brexit, UK Government Sets Animal Rights Back Decades

Because of the UK's decision to withdraw from the European Union, the government rules that animals aren't sentient creatures who can suffer and feel pain.

Trump Administration Allows Puppy Mills’ Violations To Be Kept Priva

Florida looks at legislation regarding the selling of puppies from USDA-licensed breeders, but the Trump administration may allow puppy mills anonymity.

Thanks to New Regulation, It’s Much Easier For Dogs to Dine Out in A

Fido wants to join you to dine el fresco. In Albany, New York, you don't need your dog's proof of vaccination and registration to sit in a restaurant patio.