Legislation/Political Advocacy
Michelle Riley/The HSUS
Overview
HSI works on legislation and regulations around the globe. We strive to influence political decision-making on multilateral agreements like CITES and IWC that protect wild animals. We also advocate for the inclusion of animal welfare and wildlife protection provisions in Free Trade Agreements. By actively engaging with politicians and policymakers, we try to get animal issues included on the political agenda and thereby achieve greater protection for animals.
30
HSI has worked on legislation/regulations in over 30 countries
36+
Countries that have banned trade in seal products
43
Countries that have banned testing of cosmetics on animals
The Issue
Legislation and regulations provide the foundation for protecting animals. Not only do they dictate how animals in a certain city, province, state, or even entire country or political bloc must be treated, but they also last indefinitely, so can improve the lives of millions of animals for years to come. Although many people will proactively change their behavior to comply with the law, proper enforcement is also critical.
Facts about legislation/regulations:
- They’re necessary to implement and enforce components of national policy.
- They regulate both public and private sectors.
- They define the responsibilities, qualifications, rights and roles of each party.
- They ensure that societal norms are respected by all members of society.
