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…
Laws
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.…
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.
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.
Landmark Ruling: Animals Can Now Be Considered Victims In The Eyes Of
It’s about time – Oregon judge rules that animals are victims, not property Great news out of Oregon –a landmark ruling has declared that a…
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.
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.
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 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…
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.
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.
Police Dog’s Heroic Sacrifice The Inspiration Behind Aron’s Law
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and in Tennessee that includes four legs and a wagging tail. State Rep Jeremy Durham agrees and will be pushing the st…
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…
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 City Takes Small Step Forward By Starting Animal Abuser Black
New York City passes a law that sets up a do-not-adopt blacklist, preventing pets from going to abusive homes. But is this "voluntary" register enough?
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 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.
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.
Proposed Legislation To Help Prevent Opioid Fraud At Vets’ Offices
As more attention is drawn to the opioid addiction crisis, a new angle has come into the issue: humans using their pets as ways to 'score' their fixes.
UK Government Officials Ban Electric Collars for Pets
The new law that will make the use of electric shock collars illegal was welcomed by vets, animal lovers and pet parents across the country.
Los Angeles Will Be a “No-Kill Shelter” City by End of 2017
Arbitrary euthanasia at animal shelters in Los Angeles is coming to an end, thanks to the tireless work of Best Friends Animal Society.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ohio City Council Revising Dog Ordinance to Include Breed-Neutral Word
An Ohio town proposed amendments that would remove breed-restrictive wording for its community to ensure breed-neutral legislation.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
Deaf Dog Stands By Abused Children in Court
A trial is an intimidating process, even for adults. But Karl, a deaf Boxer, reminds children there is someone in their court.
Certain Breeds Get The Boot From Luxe Co-Op, Owners Cry ‘Dog Racism�
Apparently, pedigree is everything at an upscale New York Co-op, as the board plans to use DNA tests to ban certain breeds from the building.
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…
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.
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…
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?
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…
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.
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…
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…
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.
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.
Tail Docking Practice Banned By British Columbia Veterinarians
The College of Veterinarians of British Columbia have voted to ban the controversial practice of tail docking and alteration of dogs, horses and cattle.
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 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…
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 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.
New Law Prevents Aesthetic Clipping Of Dogs In Quebec
The new year is bringing a new animal law to Quebec, which makes it illegal for veterinarians to perform cosmetic surgeries to clip a dog's tail or ears.
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…