Laws

Alaska Becomes First State To Pass Provision For Pets Of Divorce

A new law in Alaska dealing with divorce mandates that the well-being of a pet is considered when deciding on who gets custody.

Montreal Pitbull Protesters Fight For Protection Of Dogs

A controversial ban on Pitbulls in Montreal, means life or death of thousands of dogs, and paves the way for stringent breed restriction registration.

Ohio City Council Revising Dog Ordinance to Include Breed-Neutral Word

An Ohio town proposed amendments that would remove breed-restrictive wording for its community to ensure breed-neutral legislation.

HSUS Releases Horrible Hundred 2016 Puppy Mills List

The HSUS is trying to shut down puppy mills by educating the public with its 2016 list of 100 of the worst US dog breeding operations.

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.

Las Vegas Repeals Ban To Prevent The Selling of Pets in Pet Stores

Nevada City Council has repealed the pet sale ban, saying that it was only passed because of incorrect information from 'activists.'

Quebec Needs To “Cut the Chain” To Ban Permanent Chaining Of Dogs

If you live in Quebec, the Montreal SPCA wants you to sign a petition that will end the practice of permanent chaining in the Canadian province.

Padi Saved From Death Row, Florida Dog Bite Law Declared Unconstitutio

It started when a vet's dog nipped a child in an office waiting room. But there's a happy ending, complete with a closer look at an unconstitutional law.

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…

Woman Earns Sick Pay While Caring For Her Ill Dog in Landmark Italian

An Italian court awarded a woman sick pay for time she took off to care for her dog, with the judge deeming the care as 'serious personal reasons.'

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.

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.

All Aboard! Law Allowing Dogs On Amtrak Trains Is On Track

Congressman Jeff Denham gaining traction with bill that allows small pets on Amtrak trains. I always feel guilty leaving my dog behind when I go on adventure…

High School Student’s Service Dog Inspires Legislation Against Discr

It's sad to see people denied service in places because their service dogs are not welcome, but legislation in New Jersey may make discrimination illegal.

Legal Limbo of Emotional Support Animals Threatened by Frauds

An emotional support animal can be certified instantaneously online, but what does that mean for the public? Here's why easier hurts those in need.

Beverly Hills Ban Means Pet Shops Can Only Sell Shelter Animals

New dog law passed! Shelter dogs are the latest "in" trend in Beverly Hills, thanks to a new ban that only allows pet stores to sell rescue animals.

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…

New Bill In California to Protect Dogs in Police Altercations

A dog is shot by law enforcement officers in the US every 98 minutes. A new bill in California aims to help protect dogs and officers by offering training.

New York City Takes Small Step Forward By Starting Animal Abuser Black

New York City passes a law that sets up a do-not-adopt blacklist, preventing pets from going to abusive homes. But is this "voluntary" register enough?

How YOU Can Help Save Montreal’s Pitbulls

If you're as mad as hell about Montreal's horrible Pitbull ban, you can do something about it. Here are a few ways you can help get the ban repealed.

Ex-Banker Banned From United States Forever For Animal Cruelty

A judge in Manhattan has essentially banned an ex-banker from the United States because of his conviction for animal cruelty in a situation the man claims he…

Wagging Support For Wounded Warriors Service Dog Act

A couple of special heroes visited Congress to show support for an important bill that would give financial assistance to wounded warriors.

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.

ASPCA Wants You to #GetTough on Dog Fighting

It's time to #GetTough on dog fighting. Raise your voice on social media during National Dog Fighting Awareness Day on April 8 with the ASPCA.

Recent Deaths Spur New Jersey Lawmakers To Regulate Pet Grooming Indus

Legislators in New Jersey are seeking the passing of a bill that would require dog groomers to be licensed, after recent deaths in New Jersey pet stores.

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.

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.

Will Michigan Pet Owners Face Jail for Leaving Pets in Hot Car?

Michigan officials proposed a bill that would ensure that punishment ensues for those who knowingly put their pet's wellbeing at risk.

Irish Councillor Slammed on Social Media For “Dangerous Breeds” Po

Get ready to *Facepalm. Irish Councillor Alan Tobin was ripped to shreds by pet parents on Facebook after sharing his new "Dangerous Dog Breeds" signs.

“Best Province To Be An Animal Abuser” Introduces New Animal Prote

Tired of the title "best province to be an animal abuser," Quebec sees the light and gets on-board with a new law that will protect the rights of animals.

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.

Japanese Legislation Gives New Meaning To “Till Death Do Us Part”

It’s sad, but happens frequently – people dump older dogs at shelters because they’re not puppies anymore. Let’s follow Japan’s…

Florida Voters Overwhemingly Ban Greyhound Racing But Not All Are Happ

The midterm elections brought an end to Florida’s historic greyhound racing industry, but not all animal ‘advocates’ are happy with the vot…

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.

Lawyers Have Gone to the Dogs: Pet-Nups Are a Rapidly Growing Trend

More and more pawrents are turning to the law to clarify who gets the pets in case of a breakup- now lawyers have their hands full with pet-nups.

Lucy’s Law Confirmed In England, Bans Pet Stores From Selling Puppie

Those looking for puppies or kittens in the United Kingdom will now need to look at breeders or rescue groups, as a new bill called Lucy’s Law mandates…

Logan’s Law Will Mandate Animal Abusers Registry, Tougher Penalties

Michigan hopes to pass a bill called Logan’s Law that will ban convicted animal abusers from adopting and puts their names in an accessible database. T…

New Law Protects Pennsylvania Dogs From Being Tethered in Freezing Tem

New law in Pennsylvania now prevents pet owners from tethering their dogs outside for more than 30 minutes when temperatures go below freezing.

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.

Shelter Pets Are Now California’s Official State Pet

Taking its place alongside California's existing official symbols, shelter animals get much-needed attention as the Golden State's recognized pet.

Dutch Propose Bans Of Flat-Faced and Folded Ear Breed Dogs and Cats

Some officials in the Netherlands are working to ban breeds of cats and dogs with flat faces or folded ears, as they are concerned about the suffering of the an…

Lawmakers Join Animal Welfare Groups For Responsible Breeder Laws In K

Why would lawmakers and animal welfare groups want to stop a bill that regulates pet store regulations? There's good reason behind their actions!

FBI Deems Animal Cruelty A Top Tier Crime

Its new designation as a “top tier” crime makes it easier to prosecute crimes and seek out animal abusers. It’s been deemed a crime against…

Service Dog Denied Entry Into Elementary School Heads to Supreme Court

A middle-school girl was denied the services of her trained service dog into class. She's now heading to the US Supreme Court with her discrimination case.

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.

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.

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…

New Law Prevents Aesthetic Clipping Of Dogs In Quebec

The new year is bringing a new animal law to Quebec, which makes it illegal for veterinarians to perform cosmetic surgeries to clip a dog's tail or ears.

Connecticut Retrial Could Mean the End of Courthouse Dogs

The Appellate Court is looking to overturn a sentence, based on the use of a therapy dog for a young witness. Does this signal the end of courthouse dogs?

Furry Yappers Could Be Fined $25k in Canadian Town

A city in Ontario, Canada, is taking a big bite out of the budget of its noisiest citizens and hopes other communities will soon follow.

New York Pet Parents Can Rest In Peace With Their Pets

A new law was recently signed in New York and it lets pets be buried with their owners, allowing both to truly rest in peace.

It’s Official: FBI Actively Tracking Animal Cruelty Cases Across U.S

The FBI has launched a tracking system within the National Incident-Based Reporting System, making it easier to track animal cruelty cases across the U.S.

City Of Mississaga Passes Dog Tethering Restrictions Bylaw

Do you hate seeing a dog chained up in a backyard? So does Mississauga city council, and they've passed a bylaw to limit time and areas of dog tethering.

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.

B.C. Lawmakers Crack Down On Guide Dog Impersonators

Service animal impersonation is on the rise, and officials in the Canadian province are looking to put an end to it with tougher regulations. They’re o…

Turkey Passes Law That Requires Pet Parents To Undergo Mandatory Train

Now here’s a law that makes a lot of sense to us. Turkey has just pass a law that anyone who wants to own a pet now has to pass a certification and wil…

Congress Passes Laws To Fully Prohibit Eating Dog and Cat Meat

You might not think America’s Farm Bill would necessarily mean anything to pets/companion animals, but Congress’s latest passing has given animal…

Sorority Sisters Go to Court Over Service Dog in Chi Omega House

An Ohio judge allows a Chi Omega sorority sister to keep her service dog, despite another sister's claims of allergy problems caused by dander.

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!

New Jersey State Senate Wants You To Take Your Dog For A Brewski

Looking for a beer and a bark with your best bud? If you live in New Jersey, that may be just around the corner very soon! Last week, New Jersey’s stat…