Laws

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…

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.

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.

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 Here are a few ways you can help get the ban repealed.

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.

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.

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…

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 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.

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.

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…

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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…

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…

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.

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…

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?

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…

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

Missouri Legislator Proposes to Eliminate Breed-Specific Bans Across T

More states are banning breed-specific legislation as they realize the 'science' behind them simply does not support the efforts.

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.

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…

Washington State Senate Passes New Legislation Restricting Tethering P

Washington State legislators pass a new bill that prevents dog owners from 'tying up' or 'tethering' their pets with certain types of restraints.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Pet Nup Provides Security For Pets In Times Of Divorce

Have a pet nuptial plan in place for your pooch if things don’t work out Divorce sucks for everyone involved… unless of course, you’re a l…

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.

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 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…

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.

TEDD Group Fights for Canine Military Heroes Considered ‘Obsolete Eq

By law, US Military handlers are allowed to adopt their service dogs. But that's not happening, and American Heroes are missing their life-saving dogs

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…

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Cat Declawing Now Banned In Denver, Colorado

It’s official in Denver, Colorado–veterinarians are now banned from declawing cats unless the procedure is medically necessary. Veterinarian Aubr…

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.

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.