Animal Cruelty
Improving Shelter for NY Dogs Kept Outside
A bill to improve requirements for shelter for dogs kept outdoors passed the New York state Assembly last year but died in the Senate last month.
The bill is now being voted on again by the Assembly with amendments.
Alaska Bills Would Improve Animal Cruelty Laws
For the second time in just two years, Alaska's legislature is moving to strengthen the state's animal cruelty laws.
SB 214 would make it a felony on the first offense to "knowingly" inflict severe and prolonged physical pain or suffering on an animal.
NYS Bill Would Stop Abusers' Access to Pets Absent Court Order
Assembly Member Jim Tedisco has introduced a bill, AB 9912, that would bar those convicted of aggravated cruelty to companion animals from having future contact with a companion animal "unless and until authorized by a court order".
Help Pass Wind Chill's Law
Watch Wind Chill's story below and help pass Wind Chill's Law!
Update March 4, 2010: The Wisconsin Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Corrections, etc. held a hearing on Wind Chill's Law, S.B. 555. on March 3. No vote yet. Also no vote by the committee hearing the Assembly version of the bill, A.B. 747.
ID Bill Offers More Protection for Some Animals
The Idaho Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee chaired by state Sen. Tim Corder has passed a bill he has championed to improve the state's weak animal cruelty laws. Idaho has one of the weakest animal cruelty laws in the U.S.
An Online Registry for Animal Abusers
In a time where bipartisanship is rare, California state Sen. Dean Florez hopes a love of animals will bring the parties together. Florez is the chair of the state Senate's Food and Agriculture Committee and an animal welfare advocate.
Virginia's Humane Investigator Program
Bills pending in Virginia would open the door to appointment of volunteer humane investigators by a court, not only at the request of local animal control but also shelters and rescues. Humane investigators could also be re-appointed.
MS Felony Animal Cruelty is Dead
Update Mar. 3: Once again, the Mississippi legislature has failed to create a felony penalty for animal cruelty. Senate Bill 2623 which had passed the state senate, died in a House committee. The bill is dead for this session.
For more on this, read Animal Law Coalition's report below.
Ohio House Passes Nitro's Law
Update Feb. 25, 2010: The Ohio House of Representatives has passed Nitro's Law by a vote of 59-38!
Watch the video of the vote below!
