2024 U.S. Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
Each state and territory is ranked by the strengths and weaknesses of their animal protection laws.
FIND YOUR STATEThe legal voice for all animals
The Animal Legal Defense Fund files high-impact lawsuits to protect animals from harm, provides free legal assistance and training to prosecutors in their fight against animal cruelty, supports animal protection legislation, and provides resources and opportunities to law students and professionals to advance the field of animal law.
Join us. Help us protect:
News
State Animal Protection Laws Ranked: Oregon is #1, North Dakota #50
-
State Animal Protection Laws Ranked: Oregon is #1, North Dakota #50
The 19th annual U.S. Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report (2024) ranks the animal protection laws of all 50 states.January 28, 2025 Press Release -
$5,000 Reward Offered After Rabbits Targeted with Blow Darts in Washington State
Animal Legal Defense Fund offers reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for harming rabbits and other wildlife with blow dartsFebruary 4, 2025 Press Release -
Court Allows RICO Lawsuit Filed Against Puppy Mill Broker JAKS Puppies and Associates to Proceed
Class-action lawsuit alleges thousands in California purchased dogs falsely labeled “rescues.”January 29, 2025 Press Release -
Resources to Support Those Affected by Recent Fires
The Animal Legal Defense Fund is heartbroken watching the impact of the recent fires unfolding on news and social media, and hearing reports from our staff, supporters, friends, and family in the Los Angeles area. No matter where you are located, these recent record-breaking storms remind all of us that disaster preparedness is critical.January 10, 2025 News
Save the date!
Mark your calendar for the 33rd annual Animal Law Conference, taking place October 17-19, 2025, in Chicago and online.
“ Animal cruelty does not occur in a vacuum, and the failure to fully examine its origins would likely lead to future criminal acts and the continued cycle of abuse and violence.”
Hon. H. Lee Chitwood, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Pulaski, VAFollow our work across the country
Select state to filter related cases, legislation, and more.
States with the most activity are highlighted with a darker color.
Cases
-
Urging the FDA to Require Labels for Animal-Derived Products
Petition for Rulemaking to the FDA submitted on September 24, 2024
-
Challenging Tyson Foods Over Deceptive ‘Net-zero’ and ‘Climate-smart’ Beef Claims
Environmental Working Group v. Tyson Foods, Inc.
-
Challenging the Treatment of Captive Animals at Olympic Game Farm
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Olympic Game Farm
Looking for case and legal resources? View Resources
See More