Washington
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.
Washington
Overall Rank: #8 (Top Tier)
Animal Protection Laws of Washington
The Animal Protection Laws of Washington compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Washington with an effective date on or before September 1, 2023.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation
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Active Cases
Challenging the USDA License Renewal of Yellowstone Bear World for Violating the Animal Welfare Act
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. USDA
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against USDA and APHIS for issuing an Animal Welfare Act exhibitor’s license to Yellowstone Bear World despite the facility’s known violations of federal and state law.
Challenging the Treatment of Captive Animals at Olympic Game Farm
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Olympic Game Farm
The Animal Legal Defense Fund alleges Olympic Game Farm, a roadside zoo in Sequim, Washington, is breaking the Endangered Species Act and state anti-cruelty laws by not providing adequate care for the captive animals in its possession.
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
Octopus Farming Ban (Washington)
H.B. 1153
In recognition of the "advanced cognitive abilities" of octopuses, An Act Related to Prohibiting Octopus Farming, H.B. 1153, seeks to prohibit octopus aquaculture, also known as octopus farming, in Washington.
Cosmetics Testing Ban (Washington)
H.B. 1097
This bill would make it unlawful for manufacturers to sell or offer for sale in Washington a cosmetic that was developed or manufactured using cosmetic animal testing conducted or contracted for by the manufacturer or its supplier (with limited exceptions).
Challenging Washington’s Illegal Bear Hunting Regulations
Center for Biological Diversity v. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, et. al.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed an amicus brief in support of a challenge to two rules promulgated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Service allowing bears to be hunted using bait, hounds, and body-gripping traps.
Stopping Unfair and Deceptive Pet Leasing Practices (Washington)
Concerning contracts for dogs and cats (HB 1476)
Effectively ends pet leasing schemes in the state by making pet leasing contracts void and unenforceable.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2023 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws