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Detailed Discussion of Kentucky Great Ape Laws |
In Kentucky, all chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, and gibbons are classified as “inherently dangerous” exotic wildlife by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (DFWR). The following discussion begins with a general overview of the various state statutes and regulations affecting Great Apes. It then analyzes the applicability of those laws to the possession and use of apes for specific purposes, including their possession as pets, for scientific research, for commercial purposes, and in sanctuaries. |
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Detailed Discussion of Laws Concerning Orcas in Captivity |
This discussion focuses on the use of orca whales in captivity and the laws and regulations that govern such use. It then analyzes the legal issues these facilities face as a consequence. Specifically, this article examines the application of regulations associated with the Animal Welfare Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the self-regulation of aquatic animal parks and zoos. It then concludes by examining some actual case studies involving captive whales. Finally, the future of orcas in captivity is discussed with both the pros and cons of housing these creatures.
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Detailed Discussion of Legal Challenges to Farm Animal Welfare Laws |
This article explores the legal challenges to farm animal welfare laws. It begins with a discussion of the means by which farm animal welfare laws are enacted. Next, there is a discussion of the means of farm animal confinement that welfare laws are aimed at phasing out of the agriculture industry. Then, it explores the current legal framework at the state and federal level that affords welfare protections to farm animals. The article then explores the organizations and people that bring lawsuits to challenge farm animal welfare laws. There is then a discussion of the legal challenges that are brought to challenge these laws, and an exploration of some example cases. Lastly, this article explores a Supreme Court case regarding a state farm animal welfare law, National Pork Producers Council v. Ross. |
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Detailed Discussion of Legal Implications of Dolphin and Human Interactions |
This article explores recent legal and regulatory issues associated with dolphins both in the wild and in captivity. It pays special attention to areas involving human-dolphin interaction, such as entertainment, research, and therapy. It also explores current regulatory issues in the United States related to both swim-with dolphins encounters. It concludes by examining larger themes drawn from each of these areas. |
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Detailed Discussion of Legal Protections of the Domestic Chicken in the United States and Europe |
A detailed discussion of the state and federal laws that currently offer protection to the domestic chicken, whether used for food production, as pets or as research animals. The paper examines laws in the United States, Europe and New Zealand.
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Detailed Discussion of Legal Rights and Duties in Lost Pet Disputes |
This article contains a discussion of the legal issues that arise when someone loses a pet: When does the original owner lose the right to possess the pet? What actions are the finder of a lost pet permitted or required to take? How do these rights differ under different circumstances and jurisdictions?
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Detailed Discussion of Local Breed-Specific Legislation |
This article will provide an overview of BSL ordinances by discussing 1) common breed definitions, 2) patterns in the regulations, and 3) common exceptions to the regulations. The article will also discuss the constitutionality of these ordinances, focusing on how they meet due process requirements.
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Detailed Discussion of Louisiana Great Ape Laws |
According to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC), the possession of certain nonhuman primates “poses significant hazards to public safety and health,” and “is detrimental to the welfare of the animals.” The following discussion begins with a general overview of the various state statutes and regulations affecting Great Apes. It then analyzes the applicability of those laws to the possession and use of apes for specific purposes, including their possession as pets, for scientific research, for commercial purposes, and in sanctuaries. |
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Detailed Discussion of Maine Great Ape Laws |
The following article discusses Maine Great Ape law. While Maine does not ban the private possession of great apes, the state only issues licenses to keep apes to a select few. The state of Maine controls possession and importation of great apes under its exotic pet law and accompanying regulations.Private possession of great apes in the state is allowed but quite limited. However, state law and accompanying regulations clearly allow the use of apes and other wild animals in exhibitions, wildlife rehabilitation, and research facilities. While these regulations specifically address the caging requirements for great apes, enforcement and inspection provisions are vague. As is true with many states, there is not an overall law that directly addresses the possession of apes or the specific needs of apes in captivity. |
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Detailed Discussion of Maryland Great Ape Laws |
The following article discusses Maryland Great Ape law. Maryland regulates possession of Great Apes both expressly via state law as well as indirectly via reference to federal law. At the state level, it bans the importation, sale and transfer of dangerous animals through its anti-cruelty law. (MD CRIM LAW § 10-621) Maryland does not define the term “dangerous animal,” but section (b) lists all non-human primates as one of eight categories of animal that “[a] person may not import into the State, offer for sale, trade, barter, possess, breed, or exchange….” Although Maryland does have several laws that either reference Great Apes specifically or reference federal laws meant to protect Great Apes, many exceptions have been carved out of these protections. As such, Maryland's laws regulating possession and usage of Great Apes is mediocre compared to other states at best. |
