2025 U.S. Animal Law Rankings: Oregon Tops, North Dakota Bottoms, and Declawing Bans Double

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Oregon Leads Nation in Animal Welfare, North dakota Lags: New Rankings Released

Washington D.C. – A comprehensive new report evaluating animal protection laws across the United States reveals notable disparities between states, with Oregon earning the top spot for the third consecutive year. The rankings, released by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), highlight growing momentum in animal welfare, but also point to areas where improvements are critically needed. The report, covering over 3,600 pages of statutes, assesses each state’s commitment to protecting animals through legislation.

State-By-State Breakdown: Who’s Protecting Animals?

Oregon’s consistent leadership is followed closely by Massachusetts, Maine, Illinois, and Colorado, rounding out the top five states. conversely, North Dakota remains at the bottom of the list, holding the 50th position for the third year running. Alabama, Idaho, Kentucky and Mississippi also scored poorly, indicating weaker legal safeguards for animals within their borders.

Rank	state
1	Oregon
2	Massachusetts
3	Maine
4	Illinois
5	Colorado
…	…
50	North Dakota

Significant Progress Over Two Decades

The ALDF’s 20-year analysis reveals considerable advancements in animal protection laws nationwide.Notably, the inclusion of animals in domestic violence protection orders has surged from zero jurisdictions in the initial report to 42 states and two territories today. Veterinary reporting requirements for suspected animal cruelty have also risen substantially, now existing in 44 states and two territories, up from just 21 in 2005. Furthermore, the ability of courts to impose possession bans on convicted animal abusers has expanded to 42 states and four territories, a considerable increase from the 22 states and one territory recorded two decades ago. according to the American Society for the prevention of cruelty to Animals (ASPCA),approximately 71 million dogs and 47 million cats live in U.S.households.

Emerging Trends in Animal law

The 2025 report spotlights two key trends shaping the landscape of animal protection. The first is the growing movement to ban cat decl

What factors led oregon to rank #1 in the 2025 U.S. Animal Law Rankings?

2025 U.S. Animal Law Rankings: Oregon Tops,North Dakota Bottoms,and declawing Bans Double

The landscape of animal protection in the United States continues to evolve,with meaningful shifts in state-level legislation. The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) recently released its 20th annual U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report (2025), offering a extensive overview of each state’s commitment to animal welfare. This year’s report reveals notable progress, particularly in the area of feline protection, alongside persistent disparities in overall animal protection standards.

Oregon Leads the Pack: A State Champion for Animals

For 2025, Oregon has secured the top spot in the ALDF rankings. This achievement isn’t a sudden leap; Oregon has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to animal welfare thru comprehensive legislation covering a wide range of issues. Key factors contributing to Oregon’s leading position include:

* Strong Anti-Cruelty Laws: Robust penalties for animal abuse and neglect.

* Comprehensive Animal Welfare Standards: Regulations addressing the care of companion animals, livestock, and wild animals.

* Protection Against Animal Fighting: Strict laws prohibiting and penalizing animal fighting activities.

* Feline-Kind Legislation: Notably, Oregon’s laws actively protect cats, including restrictions on harmful practices.

Oregon’s success serves as a benchmark for other states striving to improve their animal protection laws. The state’s proactive approach demonstrates that comprehensive legislation can substantially enhance animal welfare.

North Dakota at the Bottom: Areas for enhancement

Unluckily, not all states share Oregon’s dedication. North Dakota consistently ranks at the bottom of the ALDF’s list, landing last place in the 2025 report. This ranking highlights significant gaps in the state’s animal protection laws. Specific areas where North Dakota lags behind include:

* Weak Anti-Cruelty Penalties: Relatively lenient punishments for animal abuse.

* Limited Protections for Farm Animals: Minimal regulations regarding the welfare of animals raised for food.

* Lack of Restrictions on Wildlife Exploitation: Fewer safeguards for wild animals against exploitation and harm.

* Insufficient Funding for Animal Welfare Enforcement: Limited resources dedicated to investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty cases.

North Dakota’s low ranking underscores the urgent need for legislative reform to bring its animal protection standards up to par with other states.

Declawing Bans Double: A Victory for Feline Welfare

One of the most significant trends highlighted in the 2025 report is the dramatic increase in states banning feline declawing.This surgical procedure, which involves amputating a cat’s toes, has long been criticized by veterinary professionals and animal welfare advocates as inhumane and unneeded.

In 2025, the number of states with statewide declawing bans doubled compared to previous years. This surge in legislation reflects growing public awareness of the harmful effects of declawing on cats’ physical and behavioral well-being.

Here’s a breakdown of the impact:

1. Increased Awareness: Public education campaigns have played a crucial role in raising awareness about the pain and suffering associated with declawing.
2. Veterinary Opposition: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) discourages declawing, and many veterinarians refuse to perform the procedure.
3. Legislative Momentum: Animal advocacy groups have successfully lobbied for declawing bans in numerous states.
4. Alternatives Promoted: Increased focus on providing alternatives to declawing,such as scratching posts,nail trimming,and behavioral modification.

Beyond Declawing: Other Key Legislative Trends

The ALDF report also identified several other vital trends in animal protection legislation:

* Increased Focus on Puppy Mill Regulation: Several states strengthened regulations governing commercial dog breeders, aiming to improve the welfare of breeding dogs and puppies.

* Expansion of Animal Cruelty Reporting Laws: More states now require veterinarians and other professionals to report suspected animal abuse.

* Growing Support for Wildlife Protection: Legislation aimed at protecting endangered species and combating wildlife trafficking gained traction in several states.

* Civil Remedies for Animal Cruelty: An increasing number of states allow victims of animal cruelty to pursue civil lawsuits against perpetrators.

The Impact of Strong Animal Protection Laws

Strong animal protection laws aren’t just beneficial for animals; they also contribute to safer and more compassionate communities. Research suggests a link between animal abuse and other forms of violence, including domestic violence and child abuse. By enacting and enforcing robust animal protection laws, states can help prevent these interconnected forms of harm.

What Can You Do?

Individuals can play a vital role in advancing animal welfare. Here are some practical steps you can take:

* Support Animal Welfare Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to protecting animals.

* advocate for Legislation: Contact your state legislators and urge them to support animal protection bills.

* Report Animal Cruelty: If you suspect animal abuse or neglect, report it to the appropriate authorities.

* Educate Others: Share information about animal welfare issues with your friends, family, and community.

* Adopt, Don’t Shop: Consider adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization instead of purchasing from a breeder.

The ALDF’s 2025 U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report provides a valuable resource for understanding the