Laws

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…

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.

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.

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.

UK Protects Puppies With Tighter Pet Dealer Laws

The UK has made the sale of any puppy under eight weeks old illegal, and tightened laws that will protect animals against irresponsible breeders.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

Brits Required To Microchip Dogs or Face $1000 Fine

It's a smart thing to do, and in a couple of weeks, it'll be the law. British dog owners must microchip their dogs or face some steep penalties.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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…

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Montreal’s New Mayor Overturns Controversial BSL Ban of Pit Bulls

After much back and forth over banning Pit Bulls, Montreal has finally come to a decision - and has overturned the decision to ban the mixed breed dog.

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.

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.

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!

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 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.…

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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…

The P.E.T.S. Plan – Four Steps To Divorcing With Pets

Divorce isn’t easy – especially when pets are involved. If both parties want guardianship of the dog, what options do you have? Debra Vey Voda-Ha…

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…