Results
Title |
Author![]() |
Citation | Summary |
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Detailed Discussion of State Animal "Terrorism"/Animal Enterprise Interference Laws | Cynthia F. Hodges | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
State animal terrorism laws have been enacted to protect agricultural research and production. The laws prohibit acts that obstruct, impede, or disrupt agricultural operations, research, or experimentation conducted at an animal facility. A person who violates a state animal terrorism law may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, face a stiff fine and prison term, and may be required to pay restitution. Opponents of such laws argue that they may violate state and federal constitutional rights. |
Brief Summary of the Lacey Act | Cynthia F. Hodges | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
The Lacey Act prohibits international and domestic wildlife trafficking. The Act makes it a separate crime to trade in wildlife, fish, and plants that have been taken in violation of other federal, state, or foreign laws. The Act also prohibits falsifying documents used for wildlife shipments and failing to mark wildlife shipments. Violators are subject to civil and criminal penalties. |
Detailed Discussion of State Emergency Planning Laws for Pets | Cynthia F. Hodges | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
Since 2005, major changes have been made to federal and state emergency planning laws with respect to animals. State laws require emergency plans to include steps to be taken during a disaster, including evacuation, rescue and recovery, shelters and tracking. |
Detailed Discussion of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act | Cynthia F. Hodges | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (HMSA) is federal legislation that requires that only humane methods of slaughtering and handling livestock in connection with slaughtering be used. Before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut, livestock animals must be rendered insensible to pain by being gassed, electrocuted, or shot in the head with a firearm or captive bolt stunner. HMSA does not apply to birds or animals killed in ritual slaughter, and lacks a general enforcement provision. |
Brief Summary of Ordinances for Pet Number Restrictions | Cynthia F. Hodges | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
Some cities and towns have attempted to address pet nuisance issues by limiting the number of pets a person can own. These laws are sometimes challenged by pet owners because the laws impact pet owners’ property rights. However, courts usually uphold the laws if they are rationally related to protecting the public health, safety, and welfare. |
The Cracking Facade of the International Whaling Commission as an Institution of International Law: Norwegian Small-Type Whaling | Brian T. Hodges | 15 J. Envtl. L. & Litig. 295 |
This article discusses the fact that the International Whaling Commission has not expressly recognized the Makah tribe's aboriginal subsistence need, and instead has intentionally left the issue ambiguous. The only viable reason for the IWC to deny the Norwegians a quota under the same exemption is the "aboriginal" requirement. The IWC should clarify the legal ambiguities regarding the right to harvest whales, and it should grant subsistence right to Norwegian coastal fishermen. |
Overview of Trainer Responsibility for Racehorse Breakdowns in New York | Cynthia F. Hodges | Animal Legal and Historical Center |
This legal summary contends that trainers should be held criminally liable when racehorses break down under the New York anti-cruelty statute, Agriculture and Markets Law § 353. This section prohibits anyone from unjustifiably overdriving, torturing, injuring, or killing animals. By racing unfit horses, the trainers are not only withholding medical care, but are causing pain and further injury to the horses, which is cruel under the statute. Knowingly racing an unfit horse meets the definition of “cruelty” under § 353, and a guilty trainer should be held to account. |
Brief Summary of the Equine Activity Liability Act | Cynthia F. Hodges | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
Many states have enacted EALA, which limits equine professionals’ liability for injury or death to equestrian participants. EALA only limits liability if the injury or death had been due to an inherent risk involved with interacting with horses. EALA does not limit liability if the injury or death had been caused by a non-inherent risk or caused by the equine professional’s own negligence. |
Brief Summary of State Animal Enterprise Interference Laws | Cynthia F. Hodges | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
State animal terrorism laws have been enacted to protect agricultural research and production using animals. The laws prohibit acts that obstruct, impede, or disrupt agricultural operations, research, or experimentation conducted at an animal facility. A person who violates a state animal terrorism law may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, face a stiff fine and prison term, and may be required to pay restitution. Opponents of such laws argue that they may violate state and federal constitutional rights. |
Overview of State Emergency Planning Laws for Animals | Cynthia F. Hodges | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
Since 2005, major changes have been made to federal and state emergency planning laws with respect to animals. State laws require emergency plans to include steps to be taken during a disaster, including evacuation, rescue and recovery, shelters and tracking. |