A recent case in the Family Court in Manchester provided insight into how a dispute over the "ownership" of a companion animal may be dealt with in a divorce. Reassuringly not only was the dog's welfare taken into account, but his preference was too. See: www.advocates-for-animals.com/post/fi-v-do

Over 450 neglected animals were rescued in a major RSPCA and police operation in Nottinghamshire. Many were found in appalling conditions, with some too sick to save. The offender received a 12-month prison sentence and a lifetime ban from keeping animals. For more: www.rspca.org.uk/w/whatwedo/p...

A woman was convicted at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court after the police discovered her husky, Milo, slowly choking and lying comatose in squalid conditions. Magistrates described it as “the worst case of animal cruelty” they had seen.

The Court has now ordered that all sterilised and vaccinated dogs, excluding those diagnosed with rabies, be released back into their original territories rather than confined to shelters.

Case update on trout farm investigation: Two complaints have been submitted to Gloucestershire Trading Standards on behalf of Animal Equality UK following undercover footage exposing serious welfare concerns.

In August 2025, plans for a giant chicken unit in Norfolk housing over 310,000 birds were overturned after an organisation opposing factory farming issued a pre-action letter, in part highlighting that animal welfare had not been considered in the approval process.

Case update on our client proceedings: @animallawfdn.bsky.social has amended its grounds to challenge the new chicken handling law, focusing on the fairness of the consultation process.

The abandonment of an animal has been treated as a failure to meet their needs under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England and Wales). In addition, if the animal suffers as a result, this may also amount to causing unnecessary suffering under Section 4.

In their recent independent report, the Animal Sentience Committee shared their review of the proposed Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Private Members’ Bill. Read more here: www.gov.uk/government/p...

The law bans punishment collars such as spiked or electric devices and sets higher standards for animal care services, including daycares, groomers, trainers, transporters, and hotels.

Learn more about how we support clients and navigate the legislative landscape on animal protection by visiting our website: www.advocates-for-animals.com

On 4 August 2025, two 17-year-olds from Ruislip were sentenced at Highbury Magistrates’ Court after torturing and killing kittens. Both have been detained in a youth offender institution and permanently banned from keeping animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Advocates for Animals represents UK organisations, charities and individuals in bringing legal challenges. Visit our website to learn more about our work: www.advocates-for-animals.com

A 29-year-old woman is being investigated after allegedly bringing a baby tortoise into the UK inside a cigarette packet, without a permit. The tortoise is a protected species, and the suspected offences fall under UK laws on the trade and import of endangered animals.

The Animal Sentience Committee has called for stronger animal welfare labelling to protect UK standards and inform consumers. Charities like @animallawfdn.bsky.social have also highlighted how misinformation is prevalent in the food chain.

On 9 July 2025, Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved a bill banning the use of live vertebrate animals in testing cosmetics, personal hygiene products, and perfumes. The law now awaits presidential approval and includes a two-year period for implementing alternative testing methods.

The case highlights the enforcement of legal protections for wildlife and domestic animals in Scotland.

Read our latest insight on how we fund our legal work and drive lasting change for animals. Link to article: www.advocates-for-animals.com/post/why-do-...

From April 2026, it will be illegal to keep primates as companion animals in England without a specialist licence. The aim? To protect the estimated 5,000 primates currently kept in domestic settings, where their complex needs often go unmet. Learn more here: www.gov.uk/government/n...

A man received a 15-year ban after pleading guilty to multiple animal welfare offences, including carrying out this cruel and unnecessary procedure. Cropping dogs’ ears is illegal in the UK, but the law still allows the import of dogs who’ve been mutilated abroad.

On 8 July 2025, we attended the Royal Courts of Justice on behalf of The Animal Law Foundation. After considering the arguments, the judge agreed with our client that there was an arguable case and granted permission for judicial review. We will continue to share updates as the case progresses.

Animal protection isn’t just part of what we do. It’s all we do. Advocates for Animals is a law firm dedicated solely to protecting animals through the legal system. Learn more about what we do: www.advocates-for-animals.com

Learn more about our work by visiting our website: www.advocates-for-animals.com

Tomorrow, our client, The Animal Law Foundation, will be at the Royal Courts of Justice for a permission hearing in its legal challenge against the UK Government for unlawful guidance.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, anyone responsible for an animal must ensure their basic welfare needs are met. Failure to meet these needs can lead to prosecution, fines, or a ban on keeping animals.

On 26 and 27 June 2025, we joined client The Donkey Sanctuary at the Pan-African Donkey Conference (PADCo) in Côte d’Ivoire, where politicians and animal protection groups gathered to turn the African Union’s 2024 moratorium on the donkey skin trade into meaningful action.

The EU takes a step closer to stronger animal protection, with the Council’s final decision still to come. Learn more here: www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pres...

On 14 June 2025, the Kings County Supreme Court in New York made a decision regarding emotional distress claims for the death of a companion animal. Learn more here: www.advocates-for-animals.com/post/deblase...

On 10 June 2025, a woman from North Lanarkshire, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison for her role in a global monkey torture ring. This is the first case in Scotland where someone has been prosecuted and sentenced for animal cruelty committed abroad.

The law is there to protect animals. Advocates for Animals’ solicitors make sure it’s enforced. Learn more about our work by visiting our website: www.advocates-for-animals.com/link

We were proud to be at The Lawyer Awards 2025 yesterday, shortlisted for Specialist Law Firm of the Year. While we didn’t win, being there was a meaningful step forward for us and for the growing recognition of animal law as a legitimate and necessary part of the legal landscape. #TLA2025

A woman from Birmingham has been banned from keeping animals for 15 years after leaving four dogs and a cat starving in a home filled with rubbish. Learn more here: www.rspca.org.uk/-/news-anima...

On 7 June 2025, the High Court dismissed a judicial review brought by Animal Equality UK against North East Lincolnshire Council.

On 27 May 2025, a Cornwall resident was banned from keeping animals for ten years after pleading guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act. The woman was sentenced to the ban after admitting to failing to meet the needs of dogs and chickens left unattended at her property.

We’re proud to be the first law firm dedicated to animal protection. Learn more about our work by visiting our website: www.advocates-for-animals.com

An Australian court has ruled that the use of a padded whip on a horse constitutes unlawful animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act, marking a significant development in racing regulation.

Read our latest insight on the importance of access to justice for animals here: www.advocates-for-animals.com/post/why-ani...

We acted for Animal Equality UK in a judicial review challenging North East Lincolnshire Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a large-scale onshore salmon farm in Cleethorpes. Read the judgement here: caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewhc/admin/2...

On 18 February 2025, the Dutch Administrative Court of Appeal ruled on a case brought by Wakker Dier, a Dutch animal welfare organisation. The organisation was challenging the practice of chicks being deprived of food and water for extended periods after hatching. Read full article in our MediaHub

We are making full use of the law to protect animals. To find out more about who we are, and what we stand for, visit our website: advocates-for-animals.com

On 24 May 2027, new legal standards for zoos and aquariums will come into effect across Great Britain, replacing rules first introduced in 2012. Learn more here: www.gov.uk/government/p...

To learn more about how we can help clients and the legislative landscape on animal protection, visit our website: www.advocates-for-animals.com

Farmer banned for life after animal neglect case

From 12 April 2025, the Government has extended its ban on personal imports of meat and dairy from all EU countries to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease. Learn more here: www.gov.uk/government/n...

Undercover investigations can be hugely beneficial in advancing animal protection. However, they involve complex legal issues, including confidentiality, libel, trespass and data protection. To find out more about how we can help, visit our website: www.advocates-for-animals.com

State of Georgia bans roadside sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits to curb unethical breeding Learn more here: www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/...

Under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers are legally required to stop and report accidents involving animals such as dogs, horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, mules, and asses. Cats are not included, so there’s currently no legal obligation to report it if a cat is hit by a vehicle.

Protecting animals isn’t optional, it’s the law. At Advocates for Animals, we believe that animals deserve robust legal protections. To learn more about our work, visit our website: www.advocates-for-animals.com

Mother and daughter banned from keeping animals indefinitely Learn more here: www.rspca.org.uk/-/news-mothe...

We are making full use of the law to protect animals To find out more about who we are and what we stand for, visit our website: www.advocates-for-animals.com