Do Local Laws Matter?: A Faunalytics Infocomic

On January 1, 2023, California’s ban on the sale and manufacturing of products from animal fur took effect. Animal advocates had also achieved victories against puppy mills, with laws prohibiting the retail sales of companion animals in five states.

Systemic change through new laws can help thousands, even millions of animals. Unfortunately, the current Republican-Democratic split in the federal government limits the prospects for successes at the national level in the near-term. In the meantime, the U.S. Constitution authorizes states to regulate commerce within their borders. State-level efforts, therefore, are key to continued progress.

What about local laws? Does changing the law in one city or town have any broader impact? Our research suggests that it has in some situations and has potential in others. Leading advocates locally, at the state level, and nationally see promise and are working together to put forward new bills and policies.

How can you put this infocomic to work to help animals?

• Discuss the results with colleagues and consider if there are ways that you want to expand your local legal advocacy, potentially in partnership with other organizations.
• Use the infocomic to engage volunteers by showing them how much their efforts matter and how they can be more effective.
• Share with current and potential funders to help attract support for this type of advocacy.
• Include the visual in your newsletter or magazine to reinforce the value of your local efforts.
• Post it on social media to engage more advocates with this important information.

You can read the full report here: Local Action For Animals As A Stepping Stone To State Protections

If you’d like more help understanding or applying the research, please come to our Office Hours where one of our research scientists will be glad to assist you.