Valuable Resources
Animal Welfare Act
The Animal Welfare Act was signed into law in 1966. It is the only Federal law in the United States that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. Other laws, policies, and guidelines may include additional species coverage or specifications for animal care and use, but all refer to the Animal Welfare Act as the minimum acceptable standard. The Act is enforced by USDA, APHIS, Animal Care.
Social Compassion in Legislation
SCIL is a leading political animal advocacy group founded to promote legislation that saves and protects animals in California and beyond. Since 2007, SCIL-sponsored bills have banned puppy mills, eliminated the sale of animal-tested cosmetics, and made it illegal to leave animals unattended in cars in extreme weather. By supporting socially conscious elected officials, engaging and empowering animal activists, and strategically partnering with other successful animal advocacy groups, SCIL’s list of life-saving bills continues to grow and be replicated in states across the country.
Animal Legal Defense Fund
The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s mission is to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. ALDF accomplishes this mission by filing high-impact lawsuits to protect animals from harm, providing free legal assistance and training to prosecutors to assure that animal abusers are punished for their crimes, supporting tough animal protection legislation and fighting legislation harmful to animals, and providing resources and opportunities to law students and professionals to advance the emerging field of animal law.
Lewis & Clark Law School
Animal Law Studies
The Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS), in collaboration with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, is home to the Animal Law Program and animal law projects and activities of Lewis & Clark Law School. We work to ensure the interests of animals are considered in the legal system and provide the best education to the next generation of animal law attorneys.
Lewis & Clark Law School has been a leader and pioneer in the field of animal law education since 1992. In 2008 a historic collaborative effort between the Law School and the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) created the Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS). We educate and support law students and legal professionals interested in animal law through classes, conferences, scholarship, and clinical opportunities.
EARN - Expand Animal Rights Now
EARN is committed to standing up for animals through legal work, advocacy, and education. We are using the tools of the legal system and the court of public opinion to:
Influence positive changes to local laws as well as how they're currently enforced
Inform people of their legal rights, so they're prepared if they suddenly need to use them.
Provide low- and no-cost legal representation in Animal Control cases
Give basic legal support to small rescue groups.
United States Map of Animal Laws
The following links provide access to maps on various animal law-related topics.