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Animal Law, Including Animal Cruelty, Pet Trusts, Custody Battles

Not actually a single area of law practice, animal law encompasses a variety of issues, including animal cruelty, pet trusts, custody battles, housing, humane agriculture laws, and wildlife protection. The information on this website is not legal advice and is not a substitute for legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney.
How can I find an animal lawyer?
How to find an animal rights lawyer. Includes link to animal attorney referral page.
What does an animal rights attorney do?
There is no one area of law in which all animal rights attorneys practice, because animal issues span many areas of law.
Why is the term “guardian” preferable to “owner”?
The state of Rhode Island and several towns across the U.S. have changed the word “owner” to “guardian” in their laws relating to companion animals.
Why shouldn’t animals be considered “property” under the law?
Most Americans consider their companion animals to be part of the family, so changing the property status of animals will update the law to reflect societal values.
Animal Legal Defense Fund
Animal Legal Defense Fund is an organization of attorneys and other legal professionals dedicated to advancing animal rights through the legal system.
National Center for Animal Law
The National Center for Animal Law is part of Lewis & Clark Law School.
Great Ape Standing and Personhood
GRASP seeks legal personhood status for great apes as a step towards legal personhood for other animals.
Overview of State Anti-Cruelty Statutes
An overview of state animal cruelty statutes, from the Animal Legal & Historical Center of the Michigan State University College of Law.
Overview of Pet Trusts
An overview of pet trusts, or how to provide for your companion animals in your will. See if your state has adopted legislation to allow pet trusts.

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