2020 U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings
The Best And Worst States For 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
Court Upholds Constitutionality of San Francisco Fur Ban
-
Court Upholds Constitutionality of San Francisco Fur Ban
International Fur Trade Federation’s amended complaints dismissed in decisive victory for animalsMarch 31, 2021 Press Release -
USDA Sued for Renewing Animal Welfare Act License of Disreputable Wildlife Trafficker and Exhibitor
Animal Legal Defense Fund challenges the renewed license for the owner of Wildlife on Wheels after evidence has revealed ongoing violations for more than a decadeMarch 9, 2021 Press Release -
Court Allows Lawsuit Against FDA to Proceed
The United States District Court for the Northern District of California ruled in favor of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and its co-plaintiffs, denying an attempt by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to dismiss a lawsuit against the agency.February 23, 2021 Press Release -
State Animal Protection Laws Ranked: Maine is #1, New Mexico #50
The Animal Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s preeminent legal advocacy organization for animals, has released the 15th annual year-end U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report (2020), ranking the animal protection laws of all 50 states.February 17, 2021 Press Release
“ 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
-
Justice the Horse Sues Abuser
Justice v Gwendolyn Vercher
-
Challenging the Treatment of Animals at Farmers Inn
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Lucas
-
Protecting Our Constitutional Right to Liberty
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. United States of America
Looking for case and legal resources? View Resources
See More
Tell Craigslist to Ban All Animal Ads
While Craigslist officially bans companion animal sales, they continue on the site under the guise of “rehoming.” Meanwhile, sales of animals not typically classified as companions — like pigs and chickens — are permitted, putting these animals in danger.