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. This page is meant to be used as a resource to see what is happening in your state and what actions you can take for animals.

State Rankings

Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. It is the longest-running and most authoritative of its kind, assessing the strength of each state’s animal protection laws by examining over 3,400 pages of statutes. Each state is ranked based on 19 different categories of animal protection.

Washington
Overall Rank: #9 (Top Tier)

  • +Wide range of care standards/requirements including food, water, shelter, care, and space, which are well-defined
  • +Mandatory post-conviction possession ban
  • +Court may require convicted offenders to undergo mental health evaluation/treatment or educational classes
  • -Veterinarians are not required to report suspected animal cruelty, and do not have immunity for doing so
  • -Definition of “animal” is limited

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, 2020.

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Active Legislation

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Active Cases

Challenging Washington's Illegal Bear Hunting Regulations
Wildlife

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.
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Recent Victories

dog and family
Companion Animals, Legislation

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.
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Take Action

Take action now to help animals in your state.

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cow

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.
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dog

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.
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Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals

Want to take the next step in your animal advocacy? Learn the skills you need to pass laws protecting animals at the local level! Local laws are critical – not only do they help individual animals in your community but prime state legislation.
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Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals

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

Learn how wild animals are exploited in circuses and traveling shows, and how you can help!
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Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans

Learn how to fight back against the cruel fur industry by passing a fur ban in your community! Led by Animal Legal Defense Fund Campaigns Manager Elizabeth Holtz, this webinar will walk you through the mechanics of fur production, the policy issues, including animal cruelty, environmental impacts, and public health, and more.
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Animal Legal Defense Fund 2020 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report

See the best and worst states for animal protection laws

Find Your State