Global Advancements in Animal Rights: Efforts to Strengthen Animal-People Cruelty Laws, Part 6 of a Multi-part Series

Across continents, the call for justice for animal-people grows louder. “It is estimated that around 44% of European citizens keep a pet. And now, MEPs [Members of the European Parliament] have laid down the first ever minimum standards in the EU for breeding, housing, and handling cats and dogs.” Additionally, the Parliament supports creating a “positive list” of approved companion species to regulate exotic and potentially dangerous pets.

In July 2024, the Michigan Supreme Court empowered the state’s environmental agency (EGLE) to fully regulate pollution from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), overturning two decades of restrictions. The decision has galvanized similar efforts in states like Wisconsin and Indiana, while reinforcing broader EPA initiatives to curb CAFO pollution nationwide.

Prison terms for animal cruelty would be increased to up to six years. Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy, who sponsored Reba’s law, issued a statement after the vote, saying in part: “It tells the people of Nevada, we will not tolerate cruelty and we will not allow innocent lives to be harmed without consequence.”

In South Asia, the District Magistrate of Dehradun, India, has launched a crackdown on animal-people cruelty, mandating that all pet breeders register with the Animal Welfare Board of India.

Animal-people welfare activists in South Korea are demanding justice for a white Jindo dog-person discovered alive with all four feet severed – a case they describe as unprecedented and appalling. CARE emphasized that this was not a case of simple abandonment but prolonged, deliberate cruelty. Under Korea’s Animal Protection Act, such acts are punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of 20 million won (US$14,400).