Laws

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.

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…

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

Pet Owners Angry After Chinese City Implements One-Dog Policy

Taking a cue from the country's past 'one-child' policy, a city in eastern China is angering pet owners as it implements a 'one-dog' policy.

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 Here are a few ways you can help get the ban repealed.

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.

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.

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 Members Of Parliament To Reexamine Breed Restriction Legislation

Members of UK Parliament are examining an old law that restricts people from owning certain breeds, as the law doesn't seem to be preventing dog attacks.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

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…

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.

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.

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Florida Law Allows You to Break Into Cars to Save Dogs

Way to go Florida! With warmer weather on the horizon, this law comes at the right time, while paving the way for other states to follow suit.

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.