The field of animal law and legislation is rapidly expanding as countries around the globe prioritize the well-being of animals. But where does one go for information on existing laws and recent legal developments? World Animal Net has surveyed the field and come up with our top three picks.

Animal Legal and Historical Center

A project of Michigan State University, the site includes a web library of animal-related legal and policy materials. A favorite go to for U.S. researchers for comprehensive and up to date information, this site now has an international collection.

What we like: The topics tab. From animal fighting to zoos, researchers can search dozens of topics and filter them further by country. Or simply enter the country to find the entirety of legal and policy documents available on the site.

International Institute for Animal Law

Established to “encourage, at the international level, the development of legal scholarship and advocacy skills on behalf of animals” this nonprofit institution has developed AnimalLaw.com to assist attorneys, law students, and other animal advocates in their research. From case law and legislative search databases to issue-specific law templates, researchers have a number of tools at their disposal.

What we like: Take Action Thursday. For those wishing to make a more direct change for animals the International Institute for Animal Law, through AnimalLaw.com issues regular postings for how animal advocates can actively engage in specific issues.

Global Animal Law Project

Started just this summer, the Global Animal Law Project offers an innovative new concept in animal law, in which visitors can browse a vast database of animal protection laws throughout the world.

What we like: The interactivity. The Global Animal Law Project invites everyone with an interest in making visionary proposals on behalf of animals. All animal attorneys, law students and professors are invited to become part of a Global Animal Law Expert Group.

Have any favorites that we missed? Let us know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Stay tuned for World Animal Net's own model Animal Welfare Act, to be released soon for anybody interested in developing strong animal welfare legislation. If you'd like to receive a copy once finalized please let us know by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Photo credit: "Chicken" by StevenW., used under CC BY-SA 2.0.