
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: #9 (Top Tier)
- +Animals may be included in protection orders
- +Veterinarians must report suspected animal cruelty, and have immunity for doing so in good faith
- +Mandatory post-conviction possession ban
- -Seizure and pre-conviction forfeiture statute is not clear, and pre-conviction forfeiture is very limited
- -Standards for minimum acceptable care for animals (e.g. necessary food, water, shelter) are not well-defined

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, 2022.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation

Prohibiting harmful practices and devices at rodeos (Los Angeles, CA)
Active Cases

Suing Unscrupulous Puppy Traffickers Who Knowingly Sold Sick Dogs

“Puppy Laundering” Scheme Violates California Law

Circumventing California Puppy Mill Ban

Urging the California Air Resources Board to Stop Factory Farms from Profiting from Pollution

Challenging the Government’s Fatal Mismanagement of Protected Tule Elk

Challenging Foster Farms Slaughterhouse’s Illegal Water Use

Urging Humboldt County, CA to Terminate Contract with Wildlife-Killing Federal Agency
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.

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

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans
Recent Victories

Ban Predatory Lending Related to Companion Animal Sales (California)

Protecting Wildlife from Harmful Poisons (California)

Strengthening the State’s Retail Pet Sale Ban (California)

Challenging Restrictions on Plant-Based Dairy Marketing

Ending Intensive Confinement in California

Challenging the Sale of Puppy Mill Dogs – Barkworks Class Action
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws