Pennsylvania
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.
Pennsylvania
Overall Rank: #23 (Middle Tier)
Animal Protection Laws of Pennsylvania
The Animal Protection Laws of Pennsylvania compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Pennsylvania with an effective date on or before September 1, 2023.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation
Restricting Public Contact with Wild Animals (Pennsylvania)
H.B. 1451
This bill would restrict the public from feeding or having direct physical contact with wildlife without a separating barrier.
Banning the Declawing of Cats (Pennsylvania)
H.B. 508
This bill would ban cat declawing procedures, except for therapeutic purposes.
Active Cases
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Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.
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Stop Ag-Gag Laws
Undercover investigations and whistleblowers have exposed some of the worst aspects of factory farming, but Ag-Gag laws punish people who speak out about cruelty in animal agriculture. Voice your opposition.
No More Puppy Mills
Puppy mill operators maximize their profits by producing large numbers of puppies as quickly as possible. As a result, unsanitary conditions, disease, and neglect are rampant. Sign our pledge to boycott puppy mills. Together we can end cruel puppy mills.
Passing Local Legislation: Retail Pet Sale Ban
In this free webinar, we walk you through the basics of how to pass a retail pet sale bans in your community — a powerful way to fight back against puppy mills.
Passing Local Legislation: Prohibiting Animals in Circuses and Traveling Shows
This webinar will focus on passing a local prohibition on animals used in circuses and other traveling shows.
Recent Victories
Challenging the Treatment of Animals at Farmers Inn
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Lucas
In 2018 the Animal Legal Defense Fund sent a notice of intent to sue Farmers Inn, a roadside zoo in Sigel, Pennsylvania, for violations of the Endangered Species Act and state public nuisance standards based on violations of state wildlife protection laws.
Challenging the Inhumane Treatment of Animals at Pymatuning Deer Park Roadside Zoo
Animal Legal Defense Fund and PETA v. Pymatuning Deer Park
The Animal Legal Defense Fund and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a lawsuit against Pymatuning Deer Park, a roadside zoo in Jamestown, Pennsylvania.
Seeking Enforcement of Pennsylvania’s Dog Law
Barbara Keith v Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture when the agency weakened minimum standards for commercial dog breeders.
Animaland Zoological Park
Prizniak v. Animaland Zoological Park, Inc.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed suit against Animaland Zoological Park for violations of the Endangered Species Act and state wildlife protection laws, prompting the facility to close its doors forever and release animals to sanctuaries.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2023 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws