When was the first federal law addressing the humane treatment of animals passed?

The first federal law addressing the humane treatment of animals was passed in 1873, which is known as the Animal Manifesto. This law represented a pivotal step in recognizing the need for humane treatment of animals and marked the beginning of federal involvement in animal welfare. It focused on preventing the cruelty of animals used in transport and other industries, highlighting early governmental awareness and legislative action on animal rights issues.

The timeframe of the 1873 law fits into a broader context of rising social consciousness regarding animal welfare in the 19th century. While there were previous movements and organizations aimed at preventing cruelty to animals, the 1873 law was significant because it was a formalized federal acknowledgment of these concerns and set a legal precedent for subsequent animal welfare legislation. Understanding this historical context helps to appreciate the evolution of animal rights advocacy leading to more comprehensive laws in the years that followed.