How to Use Animal Law.com
AnimalLaw.com allows users to access its numerous features directly from the home page or through subsequent search pages in this site. Some of AnimalLaw.com's features link users directly to state or federal host sites to receive the most current and authoritative information available. Other features, such as model laws and case law digests, are produced through the International Institute for Animal Law and are posted directly on this site.
To access federal or state law or legislation, click on the laws (statutes) or legislation (proposed laws) button. Select the jurisdiction (specific state or federal government) you want to search. You may select multiple jurisdictions by holding the "Ctrl" key during your selection. You can then click on "Search" or you can first choose among several options to limit the results for a specific search.
You may choose options to limit your search to certain categories (selections provided) or to search for specific keywords. A keyword is a topical word or phrase that would commonly describe your search, ie, "dangerous dog" or "dissection." Keep the phrases to no more than three words for the best results. If no results appear, you may want to try an alternative key word or combination of words or broaden your search criteria. The search engine is very literal, so please keep it simple.
Legislation may also be accessed by typing in the bill number, and laws may be accessed by entering the official citation. This information is optional.
When you have filled in all desired fields, click on "Search." You should then be connected to a list of laws or legislation that meet your search criteria. Each selection has an embedded link to the actual provision. Clicking on that link opens a new page, leaving your animallaw.com search open.
Some states provide links only to chapters or sections of law. You can find the specific provision by scrolling down the page to the citation indicated on your animallaw.com search results page.
To access bibliographical resources, click on the selection at the left for "search bibliography." This information is searchable by title or author (optional searches) or through scrolling alphabetically through the selected type of resource(s). You must select the type(s) of resource to initiate the search, ie. Law review articles, books or journals. A topical search may be available sometime in the future.
To access model laws or other information, click on that selection and choose from the menu of options on the subsequent page.
If you have difficulty navigating this site try the help buttons provided. Or contact webmaster@animallaw.com.