
Oregon Governor Signs Bill into Law to Fund Animal Cruelty Special Prosecutor
The Animal Legal Defense Fund provided funding for the groundbreaking program starting in 2013
On August 4, 2023, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill (S.B. 5506) into law that takes effect immediately and allocates funds from the state budget to maintain the Animal Cruelty Deputy District Attorney (AC-DDA) role and make it a permanent program within the Department of Justice in Oregon. In 2013, the Animal Legal Defense Fund provided funding that enabled Oregon to become the first U.S. state with a special prosecutor dedicated to pursuing animal-related cases.
Cases involving animal abuse or neglect often present unique legal issues for those working to enforce animal cruelty laws and bring justice for animal victims. Many prosecutors are hesitant to bring these cases because of the inherent complexities involved — but without proper enforcement, animal cruelty statutes can’t effectively protect animals. The AC-DDA has the specialized training and experience necessary to effectively and efficiently navigate the complexities of these cases to bring justice for animal victims and help prevent future cruelty. This new law will ensure that Oregonians’ humane values are reflected through effective enforcement of state animal protection laws.
In the years since this position was created in 2013, Oregon’s AC-DDA has prosecuted more than 250 animal cruelty cases and consulted with prosecutors on an additional 350 cases.
Sign Up!
Join the Animal Legal Defense Fund's email list to stay up to date on lawsuits, legislation, and regulations affecting animals.
Focus Area
How We Work
Related
-
Captive Primate Safety Act Reintroduced in the U.S. House to Protect Nonhuman Primates
Bill will prohibit the type of private possession of nonhuman primates portrayed in the HBO Max docuseries “Chimp Crazy”May 6, 2025 Press Release -
Petition Urges FDA to Reconsider Decision Not to Ban Controversial Drug Ractopamine
Common livestock feed additive poses risks to human healthApril 29, 2025 Press Release -
Settlement Reached in California Water Use Lawsuit against Foster Poultry Farms
Foster Poultry Farms agrees to improve water conservation and animal welfare at its Livingston, California poultry-processing plantApril 21, 2025 Press Release