Results
Title |
Author | Citation | Summary | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Animal Anti-Cruelty Statutes: An Overview | Pamela D. Frasch | 5 Animal L. 69 (1999) |
This article provides an introduction to the current status of state animal anti-cruelty laws throughout the United States. Extensive exploration of the similarities and differences between these statutes, combined with detailed statutory citations, enables this article to serve as a useful resource for research and statistical purposes. Additionally, the article offers an opportunity to review many of the provisions contained within these anti- cruelty statutes and to identify those in need of improvement. |
Article |
| State Animal Protection Laws - The Next Generation | Stephan K. Otto | 11 Animal L. 131 (2005) |
A vast increase in animal protection laws during the past decade has changed the legal landscape of animal law. The current generation of such laws includes more inventive and effective provisions, but more could be done. This article reviews the current laws of states across the country and proposes a number of specific provisions that would improve the force and effect of animal protection legislation. The Author's goal is to identify pragmatic ways in which to make animals the most statutorily protected type of property in our country. |
Article |
| STATE ANIMAL USE PROTECTION STATUTES: AN OVERVIEW | Jen Girgen | 18 Animal L. 57 (2011) |
Although much attention has been given to the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, a federal statute enacted to deter and punish extra-legal animal rights activism, comparatively little attention has been afforded the various state versions of this law. This Article is an attempt to help remedy this deficit. It offers a comprehensive overview of existing state animal use protection statutes and describes legislative trends in this area. |
Article |
| State Anti-Cruelty Laws | Rebecca Wisch |
Brief Summary of State Cruelty Laws
|
Topical Introduction | |
| State Ballot Measures, Propositions, and Citizen Initiatives (1998 to Present) | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center | This table of laws summarizes state ballot measures and initiatives related to animal law from 1998 to 2016. Links to the text of the ballot measures are provided as well as results of the elections. | Topic Table |
| State Ballot Proposals, Initiatives, and Referendums | Cynthia Allen |
Brief Summary of the Initiative and Referendum Process
|
Topical Introduction | |
| State Bans on Use of Certain Animals in Circuses | This map reflects states that have passed laws on the use of certain animals in traveling animal acts (i.e., circuses). Covered animals include big cat species (lions, tigers, jaguars, etc.), bears, nonhuman primates, and elephants. As of 2025, ten (10) states ban the use of certain animals in traveling animal act. In addition, three (3) states including California, Rhode Island, and Virginia ban the use of certain training methods (bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, or other device designed to inflict fear or pain) that are considered cruel to elephants. | State map | ||
| State Dangerous Dog Laws | Charlotte Walden (updated by Chelsea N. Lenard) | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This table covers state laws that address dangerous dogs. These laws typically define when a dog is dangerous, the legal procedure that determines whether a dog is dangerous, conditions for owning a dangerous dog, euthanasia provisions, and penalties for the owner (and the dog). Currently, 42 states have dangerous dog codes. |
Topic Table |
| State Dog Laws | This map gives links to the dog laws of every state. Those files contain what we call the consolidated dog laws. Included topics in these dog laws are dangerous dog/dog bite laws, fish and game laws related to dogs, animal control laws affecting dogs, and dog breeding/sale laws. Some states even have unique laws related to dogs such as designation of state dogs and laws related to dining in outdoor restaurants with pet dogs. To see the District of Columbia (D.C.) laws, click here. | State map | ||
| State Emotional Support Animal Laws | State map |
