State statutes provide the framework for the comprehensive structure of animal law throughout the state. For instance, state laws and local animal control ordinances govern conduct involving animal cruelty. Regulations State executive agencies carry out state laws through the development and enforcement of regulations in specific areas of animal law. The state Game Commission, Racing Commission, Livestock Board, and Veterinary Board are state executive agencies. Authorized by statutes, regulations have the effect of law.
Someone violating a regulations is, in effect, violating the law that created it.
Regulations are designed to increase the flexibility and efficiency in the operation of laws. The vast majority of regulations is in effect for only a limited period of time, and must be updated and reenacted on a regular basis. Most regulations are developed and enacted through a rule-making process, which includes public input. Participation in administrative law is extremely important, but often overlooked by citizens. Many of the actual working provisions of statutes are embodied in regulations, providing citizens a unique opportunity to directly influence and shape their laws.