Laws aren’t just words on paper, they’re the framework that either protects animals or sanctions their exploitation. At Animal Outlook, we know that legislative change is crucial to creating systemic transformation for animals. While our investigators expose the truth and our legal team fights in court, the battle for animals is also being waged in state legislatures and Congress.
Right now, several critical bills are moving through the legislative process that could dramatically impact millions of animals. Your voice is essential in pushing these measures forward, or stopping dangerous proposals in their tracks.
Game-Changing Federal Legislation
The Farm System Reform Act
This groundbreaking bill would place a moratorium on new factory farms and begin phasing out existing ones by 2040. It would also strengthen the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect smaller farmers from corporate monopolies and hold large meat companies accountable for environmental damage.
Why it matters: Our investigations have repeatedly documented the systemic cruelty inherent in factory farming. This bill addresses the root cause rather than merely treating symptoms.
Status: Currently in committee in both the House and Senate.
What you can do: Send a message to your representatives urging them to co-sponsor this legislation.
The Preventing Future Pandemics Act
This bipartisan bill would prohibit the import, export, and sale of live wildlife for human consumption, addressing a major public health risk while protecting countless animals.
Why it matters: The wildlife trade is not only cruel but dangerous, with zoonotic disease transmission threatening both human and animal populations.
Status: Gaining momentum with co-sponsors from both parties.
What you can do: Call your representatives and discuss the interconnected benefits of this bill for animals, public health, and global security.
State-Level Battles with National Implications
Ag-Gag Laws (Multiple States)
Several states are considering new or strengthened ag-gag laws designed to criminalize undercover investigations at factory farms and slaughterhouses.
Why it matters: These laws threaten Animal Outlook’s ability to document and expose animal abuse. Our investigations have led to criminal charges, corporate policy changes, and increased public awareness, all of which would be impossible under these laws.
Status: Active bills in Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas with potential for more states to follow.
What you can do: Make a donation to support undercover investigations.
Fur Sales Bans (California, New York, Massachusetts)
Following California’s lead, several states are considering legislation to ban the sale of new fur products.
Why it matters: Animals raised and trapped for fur endure extreme confinement and cruel killing methods for a purely decorative product with many alternatives.
Status: New York’s bill has passed the Senate; Massachusetts bill in committee.
What you can do: If you live in these states, attend upcoming hearings (in person or virtually) and submit testimony in support.
Local Ordinances with Ripple Effects
Plant-Based Purchasing Policies
Cities including Berkeley, CA and New York, NY are implementing policies requiring a percentage of government food purchases to be plant-based.
Why it matters: These policies create institutional demand for plant-based foods, normalizing them while reducing public funds spent on animal products.
Status: Successfully implemented in several cities with more considering similar measures.
What you can do: Approach your local city council about adopting similar policies.
How Your Support Makes Legislative Change Possible
Animal Outlook’s legal advocacy team works tirelessly fighting dangerous bills in court and defending the ones that improve the lives of animals.This work is resource-intensive but absolutely essential to creating lasting change for animals.
When you donate to Animal Outlook, you’re funding:
- Expert analysis of complex legislation
- Litigation to fight against the laws that hurt animals
- Litigation defending the laws protecting animals
- Grassroots mobilization that demonstrates public support
- Coalition-building with other organizations to amplify our impact
Take Action Now
The legislative process moves quickly, and timing is everything. Here’s how you can make a difference today:
This holiday season, we invite you to:
- Join our mailing list to receive timely notifications when your voice is needed
- Follow us on social media for real-time updates on legal actions
- Share this information with friends who care about animal protection
- Donate to support our ongoing legal advocacy work
Remember: Lawmakers respond to constituent pressure. Your calls, emails, and meeting requests have tremendous power to influence their positions. When you speak up for animals in the legislative arena, you’re helping to create systemic change that affects millions of lives.
The animals trapped in factory farms, experimental laboratories, and other exploitative industries can’t lobby for themselves. They need us to be their voice in the halls of power. Together, we can build a legal framework that recognizes their inherent worth and protects them from cruelty.
