Animal Welfare News

Lawmakers Look to Strengthen Federal Protections for Dogs

Lawmakers Look to Strengthen Federal Protections for Dogs

Paws Up! Members of Congress strive to protect dogs with the introduction of the bipartisan “Puppy Protection Act of 2025” (H.R.2253). Things are looking up for our furry friends with the introduction of the Puppy Protection Act of 2025

New York Introduces Peanut’s Law to Protect Wildlife

New York Introduces Peanut’s Law to Protect Wildlife

Paws Up! Assemblyman Blumencranz of New York aims to defend the rights of sanctuary animals seized by state law enforcement with his proposal of “Peanut’s Law: Humane Animal Protection Act” The lives of sanctuary animals in the state of New York…

Ollie’s Law Will Set a New Standard for Kennel Safety

Ollie’s Law Will Set a New Standard for Kennel Safety

Paws Up! To Massachusetts Governor Healey for signing Ollie’s Law to establish safety regulations for dog kennels and dog daycares The greatest concern for any family who entrusts their companion animal into the care of a boarding kennel, or “doggy day care”…

CARE Act for Cold-Blooded Animals Introduced

CARE Act for Cold-Blooded Animals Introduced

Efforts to protect cold-blooded animals are being made by Congresswoman Betty McCollum with the introduction of House Resolution 9571 (H.R. 9571). An amendment, known as the Cold-blooded Animal Research and Exhibition Act (CARE Act), to…

California Signs Off On New Spay and Neuter Certification Program

California Signs Off On New Spay and Neuter Certification Program

Paws Up! To California's governor for signing SB 1233 to authorize new high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs at California veterinary colleges. The challenge of finding affordable spay and neuter services in California may lessen soon thanks...

Virginia Cracks Down on Cruelty with Two New Laws

Virginia Cracks Down on Cruelty with Two New Laws

Paws Up! Governor Glenn Youngkin Signs House Bill 62 and Senate Bill 11 to Bring Accountability to Animal Cruelty Offenders
The serious issue of animal cruelty is one of the difficult realities all animal advocates face. As rescuers, our focus often stays on the animals, providing them with the care and

Vermont Fills the Gaps With New Division of Animal Welfare

Vermont Fills the Gaps With New Division of Animal Welfare

August 30th, 2024 Paws Up! To Vermont for Creating the Division of Animal Welfare The summer of 2024 has been a time of great progress for animal advocates in Vermont! Governor Phil Scott has ratified Act 167, a law to establish the Division of Animal Welfare within...

Massachusetts Protects Wild and Exotic Animals

Massachusetts Protects Wild and Exotic Animals

August 31, 2024 Paws Up! Governor Healey signs House Bill 4915 to decrease the suffering of wild animals used in traveling shows. Wild animals transported for exhibition for human entertainment is banned in Massachusetts. Thankfully, dancing bears, tigers

Kentucky Honors Dog’s Story of Survival with “Ethan’s Law”

Kentucky Honors Dog’s Story of Survival with “Ethan’s Law”

Paws Up! To Kentucky Legislators for Passing Law to Expand the Legal Definition and Punishment for Animal Torture The state of Kentucky is known and loved for many things: their soulful bluegrass music, their popular baseball team, and even their world class bourbon....

Kangaroos Will Not Be in the Homes of New Hampshire

Kangaroos Will Not Be in the Homes of New Hampshire

Paws Up! For New Hampshire’s Vote Against Legalizing Private Wildlife Ownership Most people like Australia’s most famous cultural export, the kangaroo. But would they want one in their home? That is the question legislators in New Hampshire faced when looking…

Massachusetts Could Change Animal Lives with this New Housing Bill

Massachusetts Could Change Animal Lives with this New Housing Bill

Paws Up! Massachusetts Senate Proposes Bill to Protect Dogs from Housing Discrimination A safe, warm home is one of the most basic necessities for any animal. Despite being a simple need, securing homes for families who have companion animals is becoming an...