Bruce Wagman on the Evolution of Animal Law in America

In his recent Juriste International article, Animal Law in America – Decades of Change, Millions of Lives Impacted, Bruce Wagman offers a concise and authoritative perspective on the growth of animal law in the United States and its increasing relevance across legal, regulatory, and societal landscapes.

Drawing on decades of experience at the forefront of the field, Wagman examines how animal law has expanded well beyond traditional cruelty cases to encompass wildlife protection, companion animals, agriculture, biomedical research, and entertainment. He highlights landmark statutes such as the Endangered Species Act and the CHIMP Act, while underscoring the influential role of state‑level advocacy and litigation in driving meaningful reform, particularly in farm animal welfare.

Wagman frames animal law as a rapidly evolving practice area shaped by changing public values, sophisticated litigation strategies, and growing expectations for accountability. While animals remain legally classified as property, his analysis makes clear that the trajectory of the law continues to move toward stronger, more comprehensive protections—positioning animal law as an important and enduring feature of modern legal practice.