Animal Law

Court-appointed advocates make an impact on animal cruelty cases in Connecticut

In May 2016, Connecticut passed Desmond’s Law, which allows judges to appoint volunteer attorneys or supervised law students to “represent the interests of justice” in animal cruelty and neglect cases. As part of their role, these advocates conduct research and review records, collaborate with veterinarians and local law enforcement, write briefs and make recommendations to the court about things such as charging, sentencing and probation conditions.

May 7, 2026 1:50 PM CDT

Attorney will stand trial for leading break-in at beagle breeding farm

A Wisconsin judge has found enough evidence to move a criminal case forward against a California attorney accused of leading a break-in at a beagle breeding facility outside Madison, Wisconsin, last month.

Apr 30, 2026 9:40 AM CDT

‘You’re allergic? Good!’ Woman who released bees to protest eviction is sentenced to 6 months in jail

A beekeeper has been sentenced to six months in jail after using honeybees as a weapon against deputies in an eviction fall 2022.

Apr 29, 2026 11:00 AM CDT

California joins other states in restricting cat declawing

In the latest knuckle down on cat declawing, California this year joins five other states and Washington, D.C., in banning the surgical procedure for nonmedical reasons.

Apr 1, 2026 12:55 AM CDT

Appeals court upholds trial order citing fake cases

A California appeals court on Thursday upheld a trial court order relying upon nonexistent cases because the appellant in the case had forfeited his right to challenge the decision denying shared custody and visitation of a pet dog.

Mar 9, 2026 10:06 AM CDT

Wild Goose Case: Victims of wild animal attacks can sue property owners, appeals court says

Property owners in Michigan may be liable for attacks by wild animals on their land, after an appeals court allowed a worker to sue a hospital after being attacked by a vicious goose in the parking lot, according to Legal Newsline.

Jan 27, 2026 3:10 PM CST

Claw Enforcement: California is latest state to ban cat declawing

In the latest knuckle-down on cat declawing, California this year joins five other states and Washington, D.C., in banning the surgical procedure for nonmedical reasons.

Jan 21, 2026 2:25 PM CST

Lawyer sues IRS to recognize her dog as legal dependent

An attorney licensed in Utah and New York is suing the IRS, seeking to force the agency to recognize her dog as a dependent for tax purposes, according to Forbes.

Dec 22, 2025 1:07 PM CST

Our 11 favorite Instagram posts from 2025

It's been another riveting year in the legal industry and for our coverage at the ABA Journal. And just like that, 2026 will be here before we know it.

Dec 22, 2025 10:39 AM CST

Lawyer and animal activist creates pet memorial for the holidays

A Texas attorney and animal welfare activist is combining her love of animals and holiday cheer to help grieving pet owners this holiday season.

Dec 15, 2025 9:38 AM CST

Court orders exes to bid for custody of Tucker the goldendoodle

It took a ruling from one of the country’s top business courts last week to settle a yearslong dispute between a former Delaware couple: Who gets to keep Tucker, the pair’s adorable goldendoodle, after their breakup?

Nov 18, 2025 1:16 PM CST

Talk to the Animals: If AI can translate whistles, barks and meows, could it be used in court?

Fast-moving developments in artificial intelligence could one day crack the codes to translating animals’ whistles, chirps, clicks and barks—allowing humans and animals to communicate with each other at new levels and spawning a host of legal and ethical questions.

Sep 8, 2025 9:22 AM CDT

Not Chickening Out: The world’s oldest profession is fighting

"Tweedledum and Tweedledee agreed to have a battle; for Tweedledum said Tweedledee had spoiled his nice new rattle." —Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass

Sep 3, 2025 2:03 PM CDT

Delcianna Winders has woven a web of animal law clinics and programs

“Becoming a lawyer was a good pathway to channel my animal advocacy, and the law plays a really important role in the status of animals,” says ABA member Delcianna Winders. “It’s an important lever that I could have an impact on.”

Sep 2, 2025 11:55 AM CDT

Can you bring a service dog to court?

“Service animals are allowed to accompany people with disabilities in all spaces run by state and local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations where the general public can go,” according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. But if the service animal isn’t specifically designated for the person appearing before a federal judge, is the animal still allowed?

Aug 28, 2025 2:16 PM CDT