Animal Laws

In California, it is illegal to own certain types of pets. This prohibition includes 5 common animals: ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, squirrels, and gerbils. It also includes more dangerous animals, as well as those that are endangered. Violating the law is a crime that carries up to 6 months in jail, as well as monetary penalties, …

In some circumstances, professional dog walkers can be held liable for a dog bite that occurs on their watch. In many states, they can at least be held partially liable. State laws will determine if partially liable defendants can be responsible for paying all of the damages. If they work for a professional pet-sitting service, …

Currently 31 states in the U.S. have laws that make it a crime for a person to leave an animal confined in a vehicle under dangerous conditions (such as extreme hot or cold temperatures or lack of ventilation). Some of these states include Arizona, California, Illinois Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, and Tennessee. Depending on …

Devocalization is the procedure where a dog’s or cat’s vocal cords are cut to eliminate their ability to bark or meow. Under California law, this procedure is generally legal. However, 24 CFR 960.707 makes it unlawful to require people to remove their pets’ vocal chords as a condition of living in public housing. Further, Section …

Federal law allows national parks to ban pets, but prohibits restrictions on service animals in public places. However, the law is subject to exceptions. Under 36 CFR 1.5, a national park superintendent can impose restrictions on service animals if he or she determines that domestic animals pose a risk to wildlife, the environment, or public health. …

In April 2016, a former administrator at Palmdale School District and her live-in boyfriend pleaded no contest to two felony counts of animal abuse. The administrator faces 270 days in jail and the boyfriend faces a year in jail. If you’re charged with the abuse or neglect an animal in nearby Santa Clarita, California, you …

In the mountains and deserts of San Bernardino County, weather conditions can get extreme. If you leave your pet outside in harsh or dangerous cold or heat, you could face California animal abuse charges. “Animal abuse” or “animal cruelty,” while broadly defined under California law, is focused on deliberate or malicious acts of cruelty and …