While animal shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries are invaluable to the animals and communities they serve, we also need a fundamental change in the way society views and treats animals. This type of fundamental change can be made possible with the introduction, implementation, and enforcement of legal provisions that protect animals of all kinds.

However, there are various barriers to accomplishing these legal protections. As advocates, we may be able to envision what a world where animals are respected and cared for appropriately would look like, but we may not be familiar with the legal framework and jargon to actually make this a reality. On the other hand, policymakers may be familiar with the law and process of lawmaking in their country, but they may not be familiar with the concept of animal welfare, or what types of protections animals need and deserve.

That is why we’ve created the Model Animal Welfare Act, which we are proud to announce is now available as a paperback book! Complete with an introduction to the political, scientific, and ethical context that makes the protection of animal welfare necessary, model language for a comprehensive animal welfare law, and explanatory notes elaborating on choices and alternatives to the suggested wording, the Model Animal Welfare Act is a road map for advocates and policymakers alike in how to implement effective legal protections for animals. You can find more information about the research and methodology that went into the Model Animal Welfare Act here.

We would like to thank the International Fund for Animal Welfare, World Wide Animal Rescue, the Pettus Crowe Foundation and the Pegasus Foundation for their generous funding which made the printing of the book possible. If you’ve been wanting to begin work in the policy field for animals, or if you’re looking for inspiration to jump-start your policy work, the Model Animal Welfare Act is just what you need! You can order the book here ($19.95 USD + $5 shipping).

Here’s to a new year and a better world for animals everywhere!