Laws

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.

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…

Certain Breeds Get The Boot From Luxe Co-Op, Owners Cry ‘Dog Racism�

Apparently, pedigree is everything at an upscale New York Co-op, as the board plans to use DNA tests to ban certain breeds from the building.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.'

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.

British Government Wants to Crack Down on Puppy Mill Breeders

To put a stop to backyard breeding, Britain's environment secretary could be placing a ban on all third-party puppy sales.

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…

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.

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…

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…

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.

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.

New Federal Law Makes Threatening Pets Punishable by Prison

The Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act will help ensure that threats or violence against a person's pets an emotional support animal is punishable by prison.

Police Dog’s Heroic Sacrifice The Inspiration Behind Aron’s Law

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and in Tennessee that includes four legs and a wagging tail. State Rep Jeremy Durham agrees and will be pushing the st…

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.

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.

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…

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.

California’s New Law Bans Pet Stores From Selling Non-Rescue Pets

New laws across America affecting animals and animal welfare go into effect with California being the first state in the country to mandate pet stores only s…

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?

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.…

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.

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.

U.S. Representatives Pass Bill To Ban Killing Dogs And Cats For Food

The United States House of Representatives has passed a bill that outlaws the killing of dogs and cats for food, though the practice is still legal in 44 sta…

Ontario MPP Cheri DiNovo ‘Attacks’ Breed Restrictive Legislation

Parkdale-High MPP Cheri DiNovo is opening up with the truth about breed restrictive legislation and how she wants to change it in Ontario.

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…

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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.

U.S. Moves To Make Animal Cruelty A Federal Felony

With a unanimous vote in favor of the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act this week, the United States House of Representatives took a historic…

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.

Tail Docking Practice Banned By British Columbia Veterinarians

The College of Veterinarians of British Columbia have voted to ban the controversial practice of tail docking and alteration of dogs, horses and cattle.

Why Isn’t Service Dog Fraud Against The Law?

Fake service dog certifications cause problems for real working dogs. There's a law in the works to close in on this scammy trend - and you can help.

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.

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.

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.

Doctors Say Pet Abuse Should Raise Red Flags About Domestic Violence

The AAP and the AVMA encourage their members to watch for indicators of child or domestic abuse by watching for and investigating harm done to family pets.

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…

Arizona To Ban Greyhound Racing by End of 2016

The sport of betting on greyhound racing is on its last legs in the United States. Arizona plans to ban the cruel practice by the end of this year.

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.

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 Texas Law Aims To Stop Police From Shooting Dogs

Education is key when it comes to dealing with dogs – and that goes doubly when you’ve got a gun. A new law sets out to train cops from shooting…

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…

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.

Olé To Madrid – Now An Official No-Kill City!

Madrid passes a law protecting down and out dogs and cats – it’s now illegal to euthanize stray or abandoned animals. In a ground breaking decisi…

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.

Ohio Makes History With Groundbreaking Anti-Puppy-Mill Law

The historic Ohio law is just the first step of what will hopefully be a successful journey to eradicate cruel and irresponsible breeding practices.

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.