Wisconsin

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.

Wisconsin
Overall Rank: #27 (Middle Tier)

  • +Veterinarians must report suspected animal cruelty
  • +Has “Good Samaritan” law allowing civilians to rescue animals left unattended in cars
  • -No felony provisions for negligent or reckless animal neglect or abandonment
  • -No statutorily authorized sentencing to mental health evaluation or treatment
  • -Definition of “animal” is limited

Legislative Session

Active Legislation

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Active Cases

monkey

Challenging University of Wisconsin’s Censorship of Speech on Social Media

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit on behalf of a former employee of one of UW-Madison's primate research labs, who has been prevented from posting truthful comments on the school's otherwise public Instagram and Facebook posts because they are critical of the university’s storied history of animal testing.

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.
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.
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.
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!
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.

Recent Victories

Challenging the Treatment of Animals at Special Memories Zoo

Challenging the Treatment of Animals at Special Memories Zoo

The court permanently banned Special Memories Zoo, its owner, and manager from ever possessing or exhibiting animals — other than dogs or personal pets — again or working with any business that does so.
A chimp in a cage

Lawsuit Against University of WI to Produce Research Records on Monkeys

The Animal Legal Defense Fund sued to compel the University of Wisconsin-Madison to disclose public records concerning taxpayer-funded experiments on newborn monkeys.