TAXPAYER STANDING: A STEP TOWARD ANIMALCENTRIC LITIGATION (pdf file - 147.04)

This comment takes a novel approach in animal law jurisprudence by evaluating the taxpayer standing doctrine and how animal welfare proponents may utilize it. Taxpayer standing may solve the disconnect that exists between traditional standing doctrine and animal welfare laws. Traditional standing rules often prevent citizens from enforcing animal welfare laws because these laws are directed at preventing injury to the animal. Taxpayer standing however, is aimed at ensuring that state and local governments are accountable by giving taxpayers a means to stop illegal use of the monies. Thus, the doctrine can potentially be used for public interest litigation whenever a link can be found between a social harm and the use of public monies.