
Delaware
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.
Delaware
Overall Rank: #23 (Middle Tier)
- +Wide range of care standards/requirements including food, water, shelter, care, and space
- +Mandatory post-conviction possession ban
- -No felony provisions for negligent or reckless animal neglect or abandonment
- -Other agencies or departments are not required to report suspected animal cruelty
- -Definition of “animal” does not include fish

Animal Protection Laws of Delaware
The Animal Protection Laws of Delaware compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Delaware with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
Active Legislation
Active Cases
Recent Victories

Prohibiting Landlords from Requiring Cat Declawing (Delaware)

The Izzy the Cat Act (Delaware)
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.

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
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws