As more and more couples are disputing pet custody issues when divorcing or separating, there is increasing concern in the legal community about how to fairly adjudicate these disputes, without unnecessarily burdening the already over-burdened court systems. The courts in
Animal Law Update
Commentary on Animal Law and Legal Issues
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Should the perpetrator(s) of the theft of animals and acts of vandalism at the Dallas Zoo be charged with violations of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act?
The Dallas Zoo has been the target of several criminal acts including animal theft, animal endangerment, vandalism, and suspected intentional injury to a vulture found dead with a suspicious wound. A suspect was just arrested and charged with animal cruelty…
How Amendments to the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, if Enacted, Would Impact USDA Licensed Exhibitors
H.R. 263: Big Cat Public Safety Act was passed Congress on December 6, 2022 — next stop — the President.
If enacted, the amendments to the Lacey Act would revise restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including…
Update: Enforcement of the New Jersey Animal Cruelty Statute Following Repeal of Enforcement Authority of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
As you recall, Governor Christie signed amendments to the New Jersey Animal Cruelty Statutes that repealed the long-standing authority of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to enforce the animal cruelty statutes in the…
Stand up for Animals
No, this does not mean what you may think. I believe the best way to protect animals, is to provide for their humane care by their owners. This position is juxtaposed to those who believe animals should be considered “persons”…
NEW VIRGINIA LAW IMPOSES STRICT REQUIREMENTS ON COMMERCIAL BREEDERS OF RESEARCH ANIMALS
By David Galpern, a summer associate at Fox Rothschild LLP, based in the firm’s Princeton office
A recently enacted Virginia law amending Va. Code § 3.2-6511.2 imposes strict requirements on commercial dog and cat breeders who sell animals “for experimental…
New York’s Highest Court Affirms Motion to Dismiss Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus for Happy, the Elephant
In a long-awaited decision about whether Happy the Elephant could be designated a person for the purposes of a writ of habeas corpus, the Court of Appeals of the State of New York has spoken. In a word—no. Specifically, the…
New Jersey Supreme Court reaffirms public policy underpinning the NJ rescue doctrine is limited to the protection of human life
Injuries to a woman who heroically jumped in a canal to save a neighbor’s dog were not considered viable as a cause of action under the state’s rescue doctrine. See Ann Samolyk v. Dorothy Berthe, III, No. A-16-21 (085946) (N.J.…
NJ Bill Could Impose Unwarranted Animal Forfeiture
By Meghan Currie, a summer associate at Fox Rothschild LLP, based in the firm’s Princeton office
A recent Bill, A2354, introduced in February of this year by New Jersey legislators should be on the forefront of any New Jersey animal…
Comments Due for USDA’s Proposed Regulations Governing Standards for Birds Not Bred for Use in Research Under the Animal Welfare Act
For those who will be regulated by USDA under the Animal Welfare Act for non-exempt facilities with birds not bred for use in research the time is ripe for you to submit comments to the proposed regulation published on Feb.