Tag Archives | legislation

Australia Too Easy On Animal Abuse?

(ANIMAL CRUELTY) AUSTRALIA — Many Australian activists may be starting to question how well their government handles disturbingly gruesome acts of animal cruelty. Although the country’s jail sentences for aggravated cruelty towards animals range from 2 to 5 years, the full penalties are rarely invoked, with some abusers getting off without serving any jail time at all. Perhaps the most disturbing knowledge surrounding these issues is the fact that extreme violence towards animals often later manifests in extreme violence toward humans. If the Australian Government sticks to tougher penalties for animal abusers, it could very well diminish the number of severe abuse cases the country faces. Continue reading to find out how Australia has handled specific cases of ruthless cruelty, and to see where the legal problems may be residing. — Global Animal

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Michigan Bill Punishes Animal Abusers

(ANIMAL LAWS) A recently proposed Michigan bill has the potential to make nationwide history as it would create the first state registry for convicted animal abusers, much like the Country’s current registry for sex offenders. If legislated, the law would ensure that animals be kept out of the hands of individuals incapable of providing loving care for them. Proving to be a major step forward for animal rights, this bill could strengthen the bonds between pets and their companions. Continue reading below to find out how this bill could change animal’s lives, and keep animals far away from abusers. — Global Animal   

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Tramp Stamps Aren’t Meant For Dogs

(ANIMAL CRUELTY) Apparently getting your pet tattooed and pierced is an actual thing now. It’s a big enough problem that assembly member Linda Rosenthal is working on implementing legislation that would prevent irresponsible guardians from inflicting such reckless pain on their pets. Linda Rosenthal said, “There are hundreds upon hundreds of Youtube videos and websites that show animals that have studs in their ears, tattoos on their backs, and it’s really horrifying…I want to make it a criminal offense.” Read on to find out about this cruel phenomenon and other laws that will prevent animal cruelty. — Global Animal

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The Great Ag-Gag Debate (UPDATE)

(FARM) Ag-gag bills that criminalize whistleblowing on factory farms are sweeping the nation. Five states have already implemented these types of laws with many others considering similar legislation. Undercover investigations on farms and slaughterhouses have played a crucial role in exposing animal abuse in the agricultural industry, yet these same investigations have been criticized for manipulating footage ultimately harming farm owners and workers. Read on to learn about the many different points that are being argued for both sides of the ag-gag discussion. — Global Animal

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License Plates For Livestock?

(POLITICS) The federal government is implementing a new livestock identification program to streamline the process of tracking and investigating cases of disease in livestock. This new system will help agriculture and health officials track the transportation of animals and quickly establish quarantines and other preventative measures to control the spread of disease. Ranchers and farmers are expected to mostly use ID ear tags which will also benefit companies who want to be able to trace back where their food came from. Continue reading for more on the new federal legislation and one rancher’s response to this new program. — Global Animal

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Oklahoma Approves Horse Slaughter

(HORSE SLAUGHTER) OKLAHOMA — For the first time since 2006, horse slaughter facilities will be coming back into business after a federal ban on the inhumane practice lapsed in 2011. On Friday, Governor Mary Fallin signed new legislation that would allow Oklahoma facilities to process and export horse meat. While numerous animal rights organizations are outraged by the plans to resume domestic horse slaughter, others—including horse rescuers and livestock associations—support the idea. Read on to learn more about the new legislation and let us know where you stand on the matter in the comments below. — Global Animal

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Michigan Governor Approves Bear Cub Petting Zoos (VIDEO)

(ANIMAL WELFARE) Michigan will soon allow its residents and visitors to interact with bear cubs after Republican Governor Rick Snyder approved a “bear cub petting zoo” bill on Tuesday. Originally called the Large Carnivore Act which prohibited people to have direct contact with carnivores, the amended measure will now permit the public to pet, hold, feed, and take pictures with bear cubs up to 36 weeks old and weighing up to 90 pounds. Fortunately, the measure only applies to businesses that already offer bear petting and will not lead to a spike in bear petting zoos across the state. However, it should be obvious the bill is neither safe for humans nor the cubs as it compromises animal welfare as well as public safety. Read on to learn about the reasons for the amended measure and watch the video below of visitors playing with bear cubs to judge for yourself. — Global Animal

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End Horse Slaughter In The U.S.

(HORSES) For the first time since 2006, the U.S. is ready to begin the inhumane practice of slaughtering and exporting horses for human consumption. But the discovery of horse meat in beef products in several European countries over the past few months has led to a worldwide outcry by those against the killing of horses for meat, prompting lawmakers to take action. Last week, amid the widening horse meat scandal and the USDA’s announcement of a new horse slaughter facility in New Mexico, the nation’s leading animal welfare groups gathered with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to introduce the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act, a new bill that would once again put an end to horse slaughter in the U.S. Read on to learn more about this potential umbrella ban and the ongoing dispute between ranchers, government officials, and animal rights activists. — Global Animal

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