At Kuddly we are passionate about the care and treatment of animals everywhere. Over the past few years, many great new laws and regulations have passed for animals of all kinds. From animal cruelty being raised to a felony offense, to new criminal databases including animal abuse offenses, and laws across many states making things like leaving an animal outdoors or tethering illegal. Certain areas have required the sale of homeless animals in pet stores versus newly bred pets, and many other advancements in animal care and protection. But, enforcement of these laws, adequate reporting, and other issues are still front and center. Additionally, there are also many parts of the country that have weak animal abuse and cruelty laws.
This past week, the Animal Defense Fund, an organization dedicated to improving animal laws, released its 2015 report on the best and worst animal laws by state. The report helps local organizations and citizens advocate for stronger animal laws within their community, and can also help pet owners everywhere understand where pet laws might be the strongest — or the weakest, in addition to which states offer the best animal protection for everyone.
