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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. 

This table provides a summary of the significant animal law cases (state and federal) from 2010. The cases are listed alphabetically by case name.

After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, the federal Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act was enacted and over 30 states have adopted either a law or emergency plan that deals with disaster planning and pets. Such plans establish procedures to coordinate federal, state and local government agencies, volunteer organizations, animal interest groups, and veterinary medical personnel for rapid response to natural disasters. Most address the care of companion animals, the implementation of state animal response teams, the sheltering of animals, and identification of recovered animals.

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.