Animals

Brazos County Votes Yes on New Livestock Laws, Setting Fines for Escaping Animals

by

Brazos County, Texas – Voters in Brazos County have overwhelmingly decided to enforce stricter containment measures on livestock through two newly approved propositions. This move underscores a growing initiative towards ensuring public safety and reducing incidents caused by free-roaming animals on public roads and private lands. The first of the two measures, Proposition A, garnered a significant 72% approval, translating to 55,539 votes. It mandates that cattle owners must confine their animals within secure boundaries. Proposition B, receiving a similarly strong endorsement at 73% or 56,349 votes, extends these regulations to encompass all types of … Read more

Missouri Enacts Suite of New Laws: Enhancements in Education Funding, Virtual Schooling, and Stiffer Penalties for Crimes Against Police Animals Take Effect

by

Jefferson City, MO — A raft of new laws ushered in by Missouri legislators came into effect on Wednesday, having been previously signed by Governor Mike Parson. Among the significant legislative changes are new regulations regarding celebratory gunfire, better support for students, and enhanced protections for police animals. These laws reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to adjust to citizens’ needs and address public safety concerns. One notable legislative change is Senate Bill 727, which revises the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program by increasing the maximum allowable credits from $50 million to $75 million annually. This … Read more

New Jersey Accuses Morris, Essex Landlords of Violating Laws on Emotional Support Animals

by

Trenton, NJ — New Jersey authorities are taking action against landlords in Morris and Essex counties for allegedly violating federal and state housing laws by restricting tenants’ rights to keep emotional support animals. This move highlights ongoing tensions between property managers and renters who require these animals for mental health reasons. The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, which enforces anti-discrimination laws, has issued findings of probable cause against several landlords. The landlords are accused of denying accommodations for emotional support animals, a practice that is protected under the Fair Housing Act. Emotional support animals, … Read more

Rockbridge County Jury Deliberates Fate of 100 Animals Seized from Natural Bridge Zoo

by

LEXINGTON, Va. – A Rockbridge County jury is now tasked with deciding the fate of 100 zoo animals following a six-day trial at the county’s circuit court. The animals were seized by law enforcement in December from the Natural Bridge Zoo, and the jury must determine whether each animal was cruelly treated or subjected to deprivation of care, leading to a “direct and immediate threat” to their well-being. To prove their case, the county only needs to establish one of these conditions for each animal. Animals that are not proven to have been mistreated beyond … Read more