California
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
California
Overall Rank: #6 (Top Tier)
Animal Protection Laws of California
The Animal Protection Laws of California compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for California with an effective date on or before September 1, 2023.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation
Room to Roam Act (California)
Poison-Free Wildlife Act (California)
Online Companion Animal Sales Restrictions (California)
Octopus Farming Ban (California)
Prohibiting harmful practices and devices at rodeos (Los Angeles, CA)
Active Cases
Suing Unscrupulous Puppy Traffickers Who Knowingly Sold Sick Dogs
Challenging the Government’s Fatal Mismanagement of Protected Tule Elk
Circumventing California Puppy Mill Ban
Challenging Foster Farms Slaughterhouse’s Illegal Water Use
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.
California: Ban Cruel Octopus Farming!
Los Angeles: Ask your City Councilmember to support a citywide rodeo ban
Urge Governor Newsom and the California Air Resources Board to Stop Factory Farms from Profiting from Pollution (California)
Stop Ag-Gag Laws
No More Puppy Mills
Passing Local Legislation: Retail Pet Sale Ban
Passing Local Legislation: Prohibiting Animals in Circuses and Traveling Shows
Recent Victories
Providing Shelter to Companion Animals in Disasters (California)
Ban Predatory Lending Related to Companion Animal Sales (California)
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2023 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws