What is a timeline of animal rights laws?

The timeline of animal rights laws in the District of Columbia begins in 1982 when the D.C. Council passed the landmark Humane Treatment of Animals Act. This act provided for protection of animals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It also prohibited the use of animals in scientific research and banned the keeping of wild animals in captivity unless the animal is a pet or part of an exhibit. In 1989, the Council approved the Animal Protection Act, which further strengthened protections for animals such as cats and dogs. It made the abuse or neglect of these animals punishable by a fine or jail time. In 1996, the Council passed the Animal Cruelty Prevention Act, which made it illegal to commit acts of animal cruelty. This law also increased penalties for violators and provided additional resources to assist in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty cases. In 2010, the Council passed the Animal Protection Amendment Act, which added a new section to the existing animal cruelty laws. This section made it illegal to use or possess any animal for fighting, and imposing additional penalties for animal fighting. In 2014, the Council passed the Animal Welfare Reform Act, which updated the humane treatment laws to cover more species and mandate more humane treatment for all animals. This law also increased the penalties for animal abuse and neglect. Finally, in 2021, the Council passed the Animal Rights Act, which provided additional protections for animals, including bans on inhumane slaughter practices and a prohibition on the use of wild animals in circuses. This law also strengthened the existing animal cruelty laws by increasing penalties and expanding the list of prohibited acts.

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What is a timeline of animal rights laws?

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