The data applies to 2012 and has been compiled on the quality of the animal protection laws in the 50 states based on a range of criteria. The assessment did not take into account the enforcement of the law. However where there is good animal protection laws there should be good legislators; politicians who should reflect the aspirations of the citizens of the state. Therefore good laws mean concerned citizens resulting in better animal welfare.
The best five states in descending order are:
- Illinois
- Maine
- California
- Michigan
- Oregon
The worst five states are:
- New Mexico (ranked 46th)
- South Dakota (ranked 47th)
- Iowa (ranked 48th)
- North Dakota (ranked 49th)
- Kentucky (ranked last at 50th)
Over the past five years to 2012 more than 75% of US states improved animal protection laws. Of these states the most improved was Arkansas (139% improvement as measured by the Animal League Defense Fund – ALDF). Mississipi improved by 78%, Arizona by 52% and Indiana by 74%.
By ‘improvements’ in the law ALDF means such things as expanding the species of protected animals, stiffer penalties for offenders and reporting of animal abuse case by veterinarians.
There has been a significant increase in the amendment of animal protection laws to include felony penalties for animal cruelty. To outsiders, a felony is a more serious crime with attendant harsher punishment than misdemeanours.
The District of Columbia and U.S. territories are included and are in italics.
The top tier states and territories in descending order (the best is Illinois and the worst of the top tier is Florida) are:
- Illinois
- Maine
- California
- Michigan
- Oregon
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Colorado
- Virginia
- Tennessee
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Massachusetts
- District of Columbia
- Nebraska
- Delaware
- Florida
The middle tier states and territories in descending order are:
- Vermont
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- Louisiana
- Nevada
- Puerto Rico
- North Carolina
- New Hampshire
- Guam
- Virgin Islands
- Oklahoma
- Wisconsin
- Mississippi
- Texas
- Ohio
- Montana
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- Missouri
- New York
- Connecticut
- Alabama
- Idaho
- Alaska
- Utah
- Hawaii
- New Jersey
- Wyoming
- New Mexico
- South Dakota
- Iowa
- North Dakota
- Kentucky
- Northern Mariana Islands
- American Samoa
These are the categories used in questioning the quality of the law:
- General prohibitions
- Penalties Exemptions Mental health evaluations & counseling
- Protective orders
- Cost mitigation & recovery Seizure/impoundment
- Forfeiture and post‐conviction possession
- Non‐animal agency reporting of suspected animal cruelty
- Veterinarian reporting of suspected animal cruelty
- Law enforcement policies
- Sexual assault
- Fighting
- Offender registration
- “Ag gag” legislation. This is legislation which has been created through the lobbying of politicians by big agricultural businesses. This legislation makes it illegal to photograph or video agricultural facilities. Its aim is to conceal poor working conditions, animal abuse and food safety risks.
Source: Animal League Defense Fund – ALDF. Clipart picture: Artwork:Richard Gunther Shading:Scott Yardley from ChristArt
Geri, the better solution for this sort of abuse is to call the MCSD. Even if they do nothing but interview emplyees, they must document your complaint and any statements made. Then, you can get a copy of all and submit to the State Attorney’s Office. Should they find no merit, at least you have started a paper trail for Sitel. That’s what’s needed. The TNR’d cats that have become scarce and too terrified to go to their feeding stations, are likely still in the area. I would move the stations to another area that is out of sight but in the same vacinity. Pouring a trail of dry food from the old area to the new may help them find their way.
Cat welfare is getting a little better here in Marion County, but it’s slow in spreading to the forest.
It is awful and those kinds of people do not even care about the effect it has on the people who love those animals.When I found the kitten it was shocking. The thought of how much she had suffered nearly made me faint. It made me sick. And they all just looked away. I have great contempt for these people now. Just a tiny baby……how was it hurting them?
Thanks Geri for sharing your first hand knowledge. It sounds awful.
Not surprised Florida is the worst,been battling the cat haters for years. The state is full of ignorant,souless people. Florida caters to the cat haters.
http://www.examiner.com/article/star-the-kitten-healing-after-found-with-burns-over-her-body
This is what my coworkers at Sitel did to a helpless kitten at work.They poured a pot of hot coffee on the baby. I called a local rescue to save her.And no one will do the right thing and provide names of those involved. And the other cats there were TNRed and have been so terrorized they will no longer come to the feeding stations. I hardly even see them anymore. And I have to worry what fate they met with because of the trash Sitel hires.Evil,pure evil.
Thanks, Leslie, for your first hand experience. It is always nice to have that. Shame, though, about New Mexico being so poor for animals. Could do better.
I live in New Mexico and I agree wholeheartedly. I live next to a rental and every single time it’s been rented out, it’s been by people who neglect their dogs and cats. Dealing with Animal Care in this state is impossible. I never really got any help. I finally gave up and the people moved, but it was so disheartening and very depressing. They were weightlifting, steroid taking, bow hunting – trophy hunters. Young and arrogant. Moved in set up cameras everywhere. It was hell. They also contracted out to the Forest Service, lovely.