Laws

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.

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.

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…

New German Law Would Require Daily Walks For Dogs

We know that exercise is important for dogs, and they love their sniff this, pee-on-that time that comes with daily walks. A new law in Germany would require…

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.

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 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.

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…

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.

Scottish Officials Ban Use of Electric Shock Collars on Dogs

The Scottish government has banned the use of electric shock collars on dogs, despite a prior ruling last November that allowed them.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

Florida Senator Wants Voters to Ban Dog Racing

Dog racing is still a hot ticket in some states. Florida voters will have the opportunity to ban dog racing in the state in 2018.

Legislators Want To Ban Companion Animal Consumption In The U.S.

Legislators are adding an amendment to a farm bill that will ban people from purposely killing dogs or cats for human consumption.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.…

New Law Means Mexico Will Stop Euthanizing Retired Police Dogs

After serving your community bravely, you shouldn't be rewarded with death! That's what happened to Mexican K9 dogs - but now they can be adopted.

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.

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.

Deaf Dog Stands By Abused Children in Court

A trial is an intimidating process, even for adults. But Karl, a deaf Boxer, reminds children there is someone in their court.

Dog Laws – Gracie’s Law Says Dogs More Than Property

When it comes to dog laws, not everyone in your house is treated equal. Your dog is a member of your family, not a piece of property.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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!

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…

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…

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.

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…

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.

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.

Animal Cruelty Law Goes Into Effect In Ohio [Video]

September 13 is an historic day in the great state of Ohio. Goddard's Law is now in effect, protecting the rights of animals.

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…

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…

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.'

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.

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.

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 State Passes Legislation to Protect Former Research Animals [

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! More states need follow NY's lead in passing laws that allow former scientific research animals to be put up for adoption.

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…

Boston Law Firm Only Represents Canine Clients

All rise... now, sit! Good boy! Boston Dog Lawyers is the go-to law firm to make sure your four-legged friend is properly defended in court.

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.

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.

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 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…