Animal Rights Law refers to legal action affecting the rights, standing and/or welfare of an animal. Animals have historically been treated as the property of their owners, worth no more than their fair market value. As society began to view animals as having more value than that of mere property, the body of law protecting animals slowly began to develop and is now growing at a rapid pace. This exciting area of the law is still very new and matters of first impression continue to arise, further defining and establishing the laws protecting the welfare of animals. Animal Law cases range from simple transactional issues to complex litigation. RLG only handles matters that advance the interests and rights of animals.