Laws

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…

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.

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…

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…

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 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…

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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…

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

New California Bill Only Allows Pet Stores to Sell Rescued or Shelter

A new law in California makes a strong statement about puppy mills -- it would be illegal for pet stores to sell animals, unless they're from a shelter.

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 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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

Japanese Legislation Gives New Meaning To “Till Death Do Us Part”

It’s sad, but happens frequently – people dump older dogs at shelters because they’re not puppies anymore. Let’s follow Japan’s…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

“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.

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…

HSUS Releases Horrible Hundred 2016 Puppy Mills List

The HSUS is trying to shut down puppy mills by educating the public with its 2016 list of 100 of the worst US dog breeding operations.

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…

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…

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.

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.

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 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…

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.

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.

Lawyers Have Gone to the Dogs: Pet-Nups Are a Rapidly Growing Trend

More and more pawrents are turning to the law to clarify who gets the pets in case of a breakup- now lawyers have their hands full with pet-nups.

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.