Results
| Title |
Author |
Citation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detailed Discussion of State Cat Laws | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This discussion analyzes the relevant state laws that affect cats. It also raises and attempts to answer several questions directed to cat owners, including licensing of cats, the feral cat problem, and state vaccination requirements. |
| Quick Index of Pleadings Topics | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This alphabetical topical index provides links to the summaries of various pleadings. You may then click on the case name, which will bring you to a summary and listing of the available pleading documents for that specific case. |
| Detailed Discussion of South Dakota Great Ape Laws | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center | The following article discusses Great Ape law in South Dakota. Generally, in South Dakota, it is unlawful to possess a great ape in the state of South Dakota under the state’s endangered species law. Violation of that chapter is a misdemeanor.In the event that the endangered species law is bridged, South Dakota requires possessors of “captive nondomestic mammals” to obtain a permit. Additionally, great apes are generally protected from intentional abuse and neglect under the state’s anti-cruelty law. The law excludes properly conducted scientific experiments or investigations performed by personnel following guidelines established by the National Institute of Health and the United States Department of Agriculture |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Pet Sale Cases | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This outline provides links to the cases that relate to the sale of companion animals. While not an exhaustive list, it does provide a sampling of the case law in the area. |
| 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. |
| Overview of Companion Animal Sales | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center |
This overview provides the answer to the question of what a purchaser of an ill dog or defective dog can do. Included is a summary of contract law affecting pet sales, the relevant provisions under the UCC's sale of goods, and state pet purchaser protection laws. |
| Detailed Discussion of Utah Great Ape Laws | Rebecca F. Wisch | Animal Legal & Historical Center | The following article discusses Great Ape law in Utah.Utah does not have a law dealing with great apes, but addresses use and possession through regulations issued under the authority of the state’s Wildlife Resources Code. Additionally, only some great apes are protected under Utah’s anti-cruelty laws. The law prohibits both affirmative acts of cruelty such as torture or unjustified killing, and the failure to provide necessary food, water, care, or shelter for an animal in the person's custody. Exceptions to the definition of “animal” exclude those animals owned or kept by a AZAA accredited zoological park or temporarily in the state as part of a circus or traveling exhibitor licensed by the USDA. |
| 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. |