ABSTRACT

This chapter addresses the law governing livestock, poultry, equine species, and dogs as used in agriculture. The first part of the law governing animal and poultry addresses the rights and obligations of owners. The second part of animal law addresses the welfare of the animals themselves. The third and most controversial part of animal law addresses the question of the intrinsic rights of animals. There is an important distinction between livestock and poultry used in agriculture as compared to animals and birds used for other purposes such as pets and medical research. As hunting is an important component of agritourism, the complex law governing wildlife will be addressed briefly. Animals and birds that are not domesticated are wildlife and are treated under the wildlife laws of the states and federal government. Dogs have agricultural uses and roles as companion animals or pets. Neither dogs nor cats are livestock under common law.