Bruce Wagman Highlights Shark Fin Law Success and the Future of Animal Law
Bruce Wagman of Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila (RSHC), shares insights in the ABA Animal Law Summer 2026 newsletter on the ongoing impact of animal law, spotlighting recent victories against shark finning. Wagman recounts the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's recent seizure of 40 shark fins, a direct result of laws drafted and defended by animal lawyers, including RSHC, since 2011. These laws, upheld in landmark cases like Chinatown Neighborhood Ass'n v. Harris, continue to protect ocean biodiversity and reinforce states' rights to ban cruel animal products.
Wagman emphasizes that animal law is now a recognized and growing field, with legislative and courtroom wins driving real-world change for animals. He encourages advocates to build on proven strategies, noting that the future of animal law lies in learning from past successes and focusing on practical protections for all animals—from sharks to companion animals. As Wagman writes, the movement must keep moving forward, just like the sharks it seeks to protect.