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
Animal Protection Laws of Wisconsin
The Animal Protection Laws of Wisconsin compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Wisconsin with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation
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Active Cases
Challenging University of Wisconsin’s Censorship of Speech on Social Media
Krasno v. Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin
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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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.
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
Learn how wild animals are exploited in circuses and traveling shows, and how you can help!
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
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Special Memories Zoo, LLC et al.
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.
Lawsuit Against University of WI to Produce Research Records on Monkeys
Animal Legal Defense Fund v Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin
The Animal Legal Defense Fund sued to compel the University of Wisconsin-Madison to disclose public records concerning taxpayer-funded experiments on newborn monkeys.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws