Results
Title | Author | Citation | Summary | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Overview of States that Prohibit BSL | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center | This document lists the states that prohibit the regulation of dogs by local governments based on breed, commonly known as breed-specific legislation. The laws are divided into two general categories: (1) states that prohibit breed-specific legislation (BSL) in all animal regulation (10 states); and (2) states that prohibit BSL in dangerous/vicious dog laws (16 states). In total, there are approximately 22 states with some sort of anti-BSL legislation (combining both (1) and (2) together, and not counting DE, IL, and VA twice because they have both such laws). The pertinent part of the legislation is included in this list as well as a link to the actual laws. A further distinction has to be made in the application of some of these laws in the dangerous dog category. Some laws state that municipalities may not regulate dangerous dogs based solely on breed while other laws simply say that breed cannot be used to prove a dangerous dog declaration. | Article |
State and Municipal Regulation of Dogs | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This paper overviews the general police power local municipalities have over the regulation of dogs. In doing so, the paper touches upon the subjects of local dog regulation and the associated caselaw. The paper also discusses preemption of local dog laws by overriding state laws. |
Article |
Summary of 2008 Animal-Related Ballot Measures | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This overview provides a summary of the animal-related ballots measures presented to voters in 2008. Links to the text of the ballot measures are provided. |
Article |
Domestic Violence and Pets: List of States that Include Pets in Protection Orders | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center | This document lists the states that include pets in domestic violence protection orders with links to the actual statutes. As of 2024, 40 states as well as D.C. and Puerto Rico have enacted such laws. Also, see the Map of Pets in Domestic Violence Orders linked below. | Article |
Table of 2014 Amendments to State Laws | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This table summarizes the statutory amendments that occurred in 2014. The table gives a brief description of the changes and links to the actual text of the laws. |
Topic Table |
Table of State Commercial Pet Breeders Laws | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center | This table covers state laws and administrative regulations affecting commercial dog breeders. The table defines a commercial breeder, describes whether a state has an upper limit of dogs a breeder can possess at one time, whether a state has minimum standards of care, inspection provisions, and penalties for violations. | Topic Table |
Overview of the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. SS 3371-3378) | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This article provides a brief overview of the federal Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3371-3378). Included is a brief historical discussion as well as an examination of the criminal and civil provisions under the Act. A link to a more complete discussion is provided. |
Article |
Pet Purchaser Protection/Puppy "Lemon Laws" | Rebecca F. Wisch |
Brief Summary of Pet Sales
|
Topical Introduction | |
Table of Significant Animal-related Cases from 2009 | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This table gives summaries of some of the significant animal-related cases from 2009. Links are provided to the actual text of the cases that are summarized. |
Article |
Table of State Laws Concerning Minimum Age for Sale of Puppies | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center | This table summarizes state laws and administrative regulations concerning the minimum age to sell a puppy. Approximately 28 states and D.C. have a law or regulation that addresses the sale of puppies under a certain age (usually 8 weeks). | Topic Table |