PETA: SeaWorld keeps orcas in "slavery"

A federal court is being asked to grant constitutional rights to five killer whales who perform at marine parks — an unprecedented and perhaps quixotic legal action that is nonetheless likely to stoke an ongoing, intense debate at America's law schools over expansion of animal rights.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is accusing the SeaWorld parks of keeping five star-performer whales in conditions that violate the 13th Amendment ban on slavery. SeaWorld depicted the suit as baseless.

The chances of the suit succeeding are slim, according to legal experts not involved in the case, but ...as the Associated Press reports... PETA relishes engaging in the court of public opinion...

First graduate degree in animal law!

According to one internet magazine, Lewis and Clark announced the world's first masters degree in animal law at their 19th annual conference this past weekend. (Almost makes me want to go back to school... nah, who am I kidding? But this is cool.) Check out the Global Animal for more...

Police dog round-up

No, not literally of course. Just a couple of stories about police dogs in the news today:

In England: Londoner of the Day goes to a prize-winning furry law enforcement professional who was the victim of wuff justice (their goofy pun not mine...) during August’s riots.

Read all about Obi the police dog on London24.


And in Cartersville, Georgia: Social media and a bit of K9 karma helped reunite a police dog with his human partner.

See how another German Shepard named Riki found his way back to his family on Atlanta's WXIA-TV.

Animal welfare round-up

A slew of new animal welfare laws hitting the books around the U.S.. Here's a sampling:

Albany, New York - County legislators unanimously passed a law Tuesday night establishing a registry of those convicted of abusing animals after lead sponsor Bryan Clenahan urged his colleagues to make Albany County "a real leader in the fight against animal abuse."

The Times Union reports...

Columbus, Ohio - A law to increase criminal penalties against operators at kennels who abuse animals is set for a final vote by the Ohio House.

WTRF-TV has more on "Nitro's Law"...

Sacramento, California - Among the long list of bills just signed into California law by Governor Brown, there are several which will make the State a better, safer place for animals.

Check out the measures to increase penalties for neglect, animal fighting and more in this SF Gate editorial...

Nevada gets with the program (finally...)

On Saturday, Nevada became the 48th state to enact a felony cruelty law.

As the Reno Gazette explained, "Cooney's Law" was named after a mixed breed female who suffered a particularly horrible fate at the hands of his owner, who could only be charged with a misdemeanor because Cooney was a mutt...

Hey kids, don't try this at home....

One Irish journalist recently had a close encounter with some seal pups while out on a documentary assignment to Antartica.

Check out this video on WTOP in Washington, D.C....

Why Is Georgetown Law Helping to Promote Cruelty to Animals?

Excellent commentary in the Huffington Post by longtime animal advocate Bruce Friedrich on Georgetown Law's (disappointing but at least defensible) decision to help the National Meat Association prepare for a potentially precedent-setting argument before the Supreme Court... as opposed to its (rather dubious) explanation of why it is cloaking that decision in a shroud of secrecy....

West Hollywood delays final approval of ban on fur sales

The West Hollywood City Council has delayed final approval of an ordinance that would ban the sale of apparel made of fur.

The proposed ban, which was tentatively approved on Sept. 20, will be tabled for 30 days, Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Prang announced at the council's meeting Monday night.

Read what's behind the delay in The Los Angeles Times...

Nestle ad first to pitch to canine customers

Yes, advertising has truly gone to the dogs.


MSNBC/Reuters explains...