Animal Law Podcast #8 — What’s Up with Birds and the Animal Welfare Act? With Bruce Wagman

Bruce Wagman

I am delighted to be joined for Episode 8 of the Animal Law Podcast by long time animal rights lawyer and partner at Schiff Hardin, Bruce Wagman. Bruce will explain the completely crazy situation that has been created by the USDA’s refusal to write regulations covering birds under the Animal Welfare Act, even though they have admitted FOR YEARS that such regulations are warranted and necessary. While there are many egregious situations that come up in animal law, the government’s acknowledged failure to comply with the law in this instance is simply outrageous. Bruce will also tell us about the litigation he has brought on behalf of the Alternatives Research & Development Foundation, that will attempt to compel this relief long due, and long denied, to the birds who are covered by the Act. It’s really a crazy situation.

I’ll also be talking about emotional support animals, and one particular emotional support turkey who recently flew Delta. Can turkeys qualify as emotional support animals? What’s the difference between emotional support animals and service animals? And what should the rules really be when it comes to recognizing the emotional support animals supply to people? I may not answer all these questions, but I’ll certainly offer some opinions. I always like to do that!

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