Pets have become an integral part of our lives. In this fast-paced world, pets are our ever-loyal friends.
Unfortunately, animal cruelty is a sad truth we can not ignore. With the rise of the pet industry, animals are subjected to abuse and cruelty like breeding mills, unethical trade, and poor living conditions.
But there is pet protection legislation for protecting animals from such abuse and cruelty.
However, you must know the laws that protect animals to be able to enforce them.
So, join me on this journey to discover the most popular pet protection laws in the USA.
What Is Pet Protection Legislation?
Pet protection legislation is laws and regulations enacted for safeguarding pet animals.
Animal protection laws protect animals from cruelty and abuse by setting standards for handling, transportation, adoption, and care.
Pet protection legislation aims to provide a legal framework that promotes the humane treatment of pets.
It also works to prevent animal cruelty & neglect. Moreover, animal protection laws regulate commercial activities related to pets.
You’ll also find provisions for enforcement and penalties to ensure compliance.
Most importantly, these laws encourage responsible pet ownership practices.
Pet protection laws vary by country, state, region, and city. However, the most common pet protection legislation around the world includes these laws:
- Animal Cruelty Laws
- Pet Breeding Regulations
- Sales and Adoption Laws
- Licensing and Registration Laws
- Standard of Care Laws
- Pet Welfare Inspections
Overall, pet protection laws play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of pets.
Pet Protection Legislation in the USA
With 89.6 million households having pets, the USA has pet protection legislation that can be enforced at every level.
However, most pet protection laws are enforced at the state level. But there are many federal animal protection laws too.
That’s not all, some counties and cities also pass laws to protect pets. However, to use these laws, you must know what they are and how they can be enforced.
There are commonly two types of pet protection legislation in the USA:
Let’s get into details:
State & Local Animal Protection Laws
Almost all pet protection legislation is enforced and enacted at the state level.
On top of that, there are different pet protection laws in other states. What’s more, all 50 states have laws for felony animal cruelty.
State animal protection legislation mainly focuses on protecting companion animals or pets.
There are laws for wildlife and farm animal protection too. But I’ll focus on the statutes specified for protecting your pets.
Here is the common pet protection legislation you’ll find at the state level:
You need first to learn which animals fall under companion animal protection laws.
This category includes dogs, cats, birds, horses, and other common pet animals. However, you can be prosecuted by these laws even if you torture wildlife and farm animals.
Hands-On Care Laws
These laws regulate how long animal shelters should hold stray animals before allowing them to be adopted or euthanized.
The frequency of rabies vaccination also falls under these laws. Additionally, some states have rules for the commercial breeding of pet animals.
Hot Car Laws
This law criminalizes explicitly leaving a pet inside a vehicle in hot weather.
You must understand that pets can die of heat stroke and suffocation inside a hot car. Therefore, laws have been passed to rescue pets from hot vehicles.
Anti-tethering Laws
This pet protection legislation regulates how long your pet can be chained outside. It’s essential to save pet animals from extreme weather.
Domestic Violence Laws
Laws have been passed in many states to protect pets from domestic violence. These laws protect animals from being abused by their owners.
Retail Pet Sale Ban
Under this legislation, pet stores can only sell animals from shelters and rescuers. They are banned from buying pet animals from commercial breeders.
Federal Animal Protection Laws
Federal pet protection legislation can be very effective in saving pet animals. However, there are few laws at the federal level.
Here are the most popular ones:
- Animal Welfare Act
- The 28-Hour Law
- Humane Slaughter Act
- The PACT Act
- Endangered Species Act
- The Lacey Act
Let’s get to know them in detail:
Animal Welfare Act
Signed in 1966, the Animal Welfare Act is the primary federal pet protection legislation.
Here’s what AWA stands for and protects:
- Animals are kept in zoos.
- Animals used in labs.
- Commercially bred and sold animals.
- Animals are used for dog and cockfighting.
- AWA regulates the handling, care, transportation, and treatment of animals in these positions.
The 28-Hour Law
Enacted in 1873, this might be the oldest animal protection law. It involves the animals taken for slaughter.
The 28-hour law requires vehicles transporting the animals to stop every 28 hours. And allow animals to move around and have food and water.
Humane Slaughter Act
Signed in 1958, the humane slaughter act states that animals must be stunned unconscious before slaughter.
The PACT Act
PACT, or Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, was signed in 2019.
This law protects pet animals from cruelty such as burning, drowning, crushing, suffocating, or sexual exploitation.
Moreover, the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act under the PACT bans the creation and distribution of videos of animal cruelty.
Endangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed in 1973. This law protects mammals, fish, birds, and even plants listed as endangered.
One can get prosecuted or face criminal penalties for violating the ESA law.
The Lacey Act
Lacey Act banned wildlife trafficking in 1900. This is the first-ever federal law for protecting wild animals.
Mainly this law prohibits the trade of wildlife and plants. For example, people who sell endangered turtles or tiger cubs can be prosecuted under this law.
