Animals and Politics
Carter, Corbin and the Law
Despite continued resistance from his school district, the Illinois courts are telling Carter Kalbfleisch he should be able to go to school with his dog, his service dog, Corbin.
New CA Law Stops Local Regulation of Vets
Under a California law, S.B. 762, to take effect January 1, no city or county will be allowed to prohibit a licensed healing arts professional which includes veterinarians from "engaging in any act or performing any procedure that falls within the professionally recognized scope of practice".
Senate Confirms Cass Sunstein as Regulatory Czar
Update Sept. 11: By a vote of 57-40 the Senate has confirmed Cass Sunstein as President Barack Obama's Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the White House Office of Management and Budget.
For more on Sunstein, read Animal Law Coalition's earlier report below.
HAPPY News for Pet Owners
A bill pending in Congress would give pet owners tax deductions, well, for having pets. H.R. 3501 introduced by Rep. Thaddeus G. McCotter (R-MI) is also known as the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years or HAPPY Act.
U.S. Reps. Moran and Gallegly to Co-Chair Congressional Animal Protection Caucus
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Reps. Jim Moran (D-VA) and Elton Gallegly (R-CA) announced today that they will co-chair the newly formed "Congressional Animal Protection Caucus (CAPC)," a bipartisan organization committed to raising awareness of animal welfare issues in Congress.
CAPC replaces the Friends of Animals Caucus that existed in previous Congresses.
Gov. Schwarzenegger Wants to Tax Vet Care
A few years ago California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called for a more limited waiting period from the time animals are impounded by public shelters until they are euthanized. (A waiting period is essential to allow owners to find lost animals or placement in a new home.)
The governor's reason then was cost cutting. He backed off after a public outcry.
Could this Happen in your Community? A Threat to the Foster Care System
Update Sept. 18, 2008: Arlington and Fairfax Counties have withdrawn the citations issued to fosters. Whew! A Forever Home thanks everyone for their calls and emails that helped save the day for the animals!
New State Laws Interfere with Animal Welfare Ballot Initiatives and Local Regulation
Republican Vice Presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, aggressively supported the extreme bill passed by the state legislature that effectively banned all wildlife ballot initiatives. Click here for the full story.
Are Government Officials Ready to Evacuate and Shelter Animals in Disasters?
As Hurricane Gustav washes over Louisiana, the full extent of its damage not yet known, on the anniversary of Katrina, Animal Law Coalition looks back at this disaster for animals in 2005 and the laws the federal and state governments have passed since then to address the needs of pets and other animals during disasters.
Animal Adoption Contract Enforced
In a recent decision, the New York Supreme Court, upheld a liquidated damages clause in a dog adoption contract.
