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University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Pet Care Resources: Animal Law & Local Ordinances

A Veterinary Medicine Library Subject Guide providing suggested resources and other information on a variety of general pet care topics.

Animal Law & Local Ordinance Books

This website from Michigan State University College of Law has introductions to many animal law topics, resources, articles, state maps, and more.  See their FAQs section for answers to common animal law questions.​

Animal laws and regulations for the state of Illinois.

Research guide from UCLA containing links to helpful blogs and websites related to animal law.

University of Illinios Animal Law books

Animal Law & Local Ordinance Books

  • Legal Beagle: Diary of a Canine Counselor.                                                                                                                                          

Cawley, Linda A. Legal Beagle: Diary of a Canine Counselor. New Horizon Press, 1996.                                                                 

Attorney specializing in dog law recounts some of her memorable cases.

  • Animal Law and Dog Behavior                                                                                                                                                                 

Favre, David, and Peter L. Borchelt. Animal Law and Dog Behavior. Lawyers & Judges Publishing Co., 1998.

Written by a professor of law (Favre) and an animal behaviorist (Borchelt) this book provides an overview of animal legal issues, with a focus on dogs. Discussion emphasizes cases from the 1960s to the present. Issues discussed include the legal distinction between wild and domestic animals, animal ownership rights, state and local regulations, animal behavior, the history of anit-cruelty laws, and so on.

  • The Complete Guide to Dog Law                                                                                                                                                         

Gannon. Deidre E. The Complete Guide to Dog Law. Howell Book House, 1994.

Discusses the legislation concerning dogs and dog ownership including liability, veterinary practice/malpractice, property damage, and more.

  • Bandit: Dossier of a Dangerous Dog                                                                                                                                                     

Hearne, Vicki. Bandit: Dossier of a Dangerous Dog. HarperPerennial, 2002.                                                                                       

Written by a veteran dog trainer.

  • The Care of Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity                                                                                                                               

Mattison, Chris. The Care of Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity. Blandford, 1987, p. 291-296.

This appendix provides information about laws pertaining to the keeping of reptiles and amphibians.

Randolph, Mary. Dog Law: A Legal Guide for Dog Owners and Their Neighbors. Nolo Press, 1994.

This book covers a wide variety of issues: local rules such as licenses, vaccines, leash laws; regulations and requirements when buying and selling dogs; landlords, leases and dogs; the owner-vet relationship; assistance dogs; what to do if your dog is injured or killed and much more. It also includes an appendix with general information on doing legal research.

Online manual from the ADA National Network.