Articles

Animals and "Standing to Sue" 

In both the federal and state judicial systems, not just anyone can start a lawsuit against either a private party or the government. Generally speaking, the person (or entity) who would sue (the plaintiff) must have some connection with the grievance and with whomever the lawsuit is directed against (the defendant). This requirement is characterized as "standing to sue." In no area has the "standing to sue" problem proved more thorny than that of "Animal Rights."

Suing on Behalf of Animals:  Important Case 

For many years ISAR has received requests for information about how concerned individuals and humane societies can bring legal action against local animal shelters that are not being run properly.  Unfortunately, there are many ways in which shelters can be derelict in their statutory, humane and moral responsibilities to the unfortunate dogs and cats that come into their custody. This case provides a template for such legal actions.

Bequests for the Benefit of Animals 

Many people who support Animal Rights/Welfare during their lifetimes want to continue that support after their deaths through their wills. All too often their intentions are not realized. There is an extremely serious problem of inter vivos (during lifetime) and testamentary (in a will) gifts for the benefit of animals which either fail altogether or are substantially diminished. Unfortunately, recent years have provided too many examples of this phenomenon, with the cost to animals measured in the tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars. ISAR's Article "Bequests for the Benefit of Animals" provides a few simple principles for the donor to keep in mind when preparing their wills. 
 

Anti-Breeding Laws

Increasingly, municipalities throughout the United States are contemplating, and some are actually enacting, local laws that severely restrict or even prohibit the breeding of cats and dogs. Sometimes, these laws are related to other laws providing for mandatory spaying and neutering.

Needless to say, there is substantial opposition to these types of laws, especially from organized breeders and associations, such as the American Kennel Club, which have a huge financial stake in the breeding of cats and dogs. Among their other arguments against anti-breeding (and mandatory spaying and neutering) laws, the opponents claim they are unconstitutional.

They are not.

ISAR's Article "Anti-Breeding Laws" reveals why anti-breeding laws are indeed constitutional.