Animal Law

A guide to help researchers begin finding primary law and secondary sources on animal law

Finding Statutes and Regulations

Below are links to some of the main federal animal law statues. This is not a comprehensive list.

Animal Welfare Act of 1966
The primary federal animal protection law. Discusses animals kept in zoos, laboratories, and commercially bred animals.
(7 U.S.C. 2131 et. seq.)
Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958
Amended in 1978, this Act requires that animals be stunned unconscious before slaughter.
(7 U.S.C. 1901 et. seq.)
The Endangered Species Act of 1973
Protects fish, mammals, birds and plants listed threatened or endangered.
(16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq.)
Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act of 2019
Makes the most forms of animal cruelty a federal crime.
(18 U.S.C. 1 et. seq.)

Below are links to relevant Federal Regulations regarding Animal Law.

2019 US State Animal Protection Law Ranking
This Animal Legal Defense Fund report categorizes the best and worst animal protection laws in the nation.
Each state includes a report overviewing the statutory scheme.

Animal Law Cases Database
Westlaw database of all of its animal law cases.
Access via Westlaw.
Local and Remote for NSU College of Law only.

West Key Number 28- Animals
This key number breaks down animal law into other topics and subtopics. Useful if looking for cases involving animal abuse or property status of animals.
Access via Westlaw.
Local and Remote for NSU College of Law only.
West Key Number- 149E k511- k550 Plants and Wildlife
This subtopic of the Environmental Law Key Number is useful if researching endangered species or environmental issues involving animals.
Access via Westlaw.
Local and Remote for NSU College of Law only.
Lexis Topic- Government
This topic includes subtopics like Animal Protection and Pets & Service Animals.
Make sure you are signed into Lexis before clicking this link.
Access via Lexis.
Local and Remote for NSU College of Law only.