Results
| Title |
Author |
Citation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAQs on Emotional Support Animals | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center | On September 17, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) formally withdrew two key guidance documents that housing providers relied upon to evaluate requests for service and assistance animals. These documents were FHEO Notice 2013-01 ("Service Animals and Assistance Animals for People with Disabilities in Housing") and FHEO Notice 2020-01 ("Assessing a Person's Request to Have an Animal as a Reasonable Accommodation Under the Fair Housing Act"). According to HUD's memorandum, the withdrawal was part of a deregulatory initiative aimed at reducing compliance burdens and ensuring that guidance does not exceed what federal statutes actually require. The agency stated that the withdrawn guidance "should not be enforced or otherwise relied upon by the Department or stakeholders" and has removed these documents from the HUD.gov website. This Q and A part of this document are for historical purposes only and do not reflect current federal interpretation of federal law. |
| Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) Table of Related Cases | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This table provides links to cases involving BSL (breed-specific legislation). |
| FAQ: Dogs in Restaurants | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center | This FAQ explores what states have laws concerning dogs in outdoor dining area of restaurants. As of 2023, 23 states have laws or administrative regulations that allow patrons to bring pet dogs to outdoor dining spaces in restaurants. Some laws require that the local unit of government first enact an ordinance allowing the activity. |
| Overview of the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. SS 3371-3378) | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This article provides a brief overview of the federal Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3371-3378). Included is a brief historical discussion as well as an examination of the criminal and civil provisions under the Act. A link to a more complete discussion is provided. |
| State and Municipal Regulation of Dogs | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This paper overviews the general police power local municipalities have over the regulation of dogs. In doing so, the paper touches upon the subjects of local dog regulation and the associated caselaw. The paper also discusses preemption of local dog laws by overriding state laws. |
| Summary of Emotional Support Animal Cases | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center | This document provides summaries of cases involving emotional support animals( ESAs). The specific issues decided by the courts range from breeds of dogs used for ESAs, the charging of fees or pet deposits, places an ESA can be taken, and use of an ESA in university housing, among many other topics. Links to the actual case are provided. |
| Overview of Lost Dog Legal Issues | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This summary discusses the state laws that govern the status of a "lost dog." The common law rules regarding lost property are applied as well as the state "lost property" statutes. |
| Detailed Discussion of Virginia Great Ape Laws | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This discussion analyzes the laws relevant to the possession of great apes in Virginia. The paper examines categories of individuals who possess great apes including persons using them as pets, exhibitors, zoos, sanctuaries, and research facilities. |
| Summary of State Lost Property Statutes | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This summary provides links to the twenty or so states that have enacted lost and found property statutes. These statutes outline a procedure finders must follow when finding lost property, which supplement traditional property laws. |
| Detailed Discussion of West Virginia Great Ape Laws | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center | The following article discusses West Virginia Great Ape law. West Virginia has no law that restricts or otherwise mentions great apes. In fact, West Virginia does not even have a state endangered species provision providing additional state protection for endangered or threatened species. The only law to address great apes because it covers all animals is the state’s anti-cruelty provision. The law does except the humane use of animals or activities regulated under the Animal Welfare Act, and the law’s accompanying regulations. This would include scientific research and animal exhibitors licensed under the Animal Welfare Act. |