Update Jan. 3, 2012: In November, 2011 H.R. 1996, called the Government Litigation Savings Act, was reported favorably from committee by a vote of 19-14. The bill now goes to the full House of Representatives for a vote.

Five people who say they are "committed to changing public opinion and corporate policies regarding animal mistreatment and cruelty", have filed a lawsuit in U.S. federal court in Boston to challenge the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act ("AETA"),18 U.S.C. § 43 (2006).

The Missouri Secretary of State has approved the ballot initiative, Your Vote Counts Act, meaning supporters can gather the signatures needed to put the measure on the 2012 ballot. The ballot initiative would amend the Missouri Constitution to prohibit the state legislature from amending or repealing

Gov. Daniel Malloy has signed into law a bill that requires "animal importers" to register with the state which includes payment of a $100 annual fee.

A U.S. tax court has ruled a volunteer for an animal welfare non-profit is entitled to deductions for many expenses incurred in performing trap neuter return for feral cats and providing care for "foster cats". 

Update June 3, 2011: New York Senate Bill 5172, known as the Ag-gag bill, passed the Senate Agriculture Committee on June 2, 2011 by a vote of 6 ayes, 2 ayes with reservations and 2 nos.  

Original report: New York Senate Bill 5172 is another in a series of bills introduce this year to try to shut down undercover investigations to expose cruelty to farm animals.

Every year the California Veterinary Medical Association pushes legislation to enhance the power of veterinarians to regulate their practice.

This year, 2011, is no exception.