Full Title Name:  2024 Statutory Amendments Table

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Police dogs:

Under new A.R.S. § 36-2230, each ambulance service shall require its emergency medical care technicians and ambulance attendants to transport a police dog that is injured in the line of duty, along with a trained police officer by a ground ambulance or another emergency medical services vehicle to a veterinary clinic or veterinary hospital equipped to provide emergency treatment to dogs. This is only allowed if all criteria listed in the law are met, including the fact that a person is not requiring emergency medical treatment or transport by the ambulance.

Arkansas

California

West's Ann. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 4800 - 4920.8

Veterinary laws:

California amended much of its veterinary practice law to conform with name and other administrative changes.

Colorado

C.R.S.A. § 18–9–202

C.R.S.A. § 35–80–108

C.R.S.A. § 12-315-101 - 310

Cruelty laws:

In Colorado's primary anti-cruelty law (§ 18–9–202), death or serious injury to law enforcement animals was added to the crime of aggravated cruelty. The law now provides that a person commits aggravated cruelty to animals if the person

Knowingly kills or causes serious bodily injury that results in the death of a law enforcement animal, whether the law enforcement animal is on duty or not on duty. For the purposes of this subsection (1.5)(b)(II), “serious bodily injury” means bodily injury that involves a substantial risk of death; a substantial risk of permanent disfigurement; a substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body; breaks; fractures; a penetrating wound from a knife or a penetrating gunshot wound; or burns of the second or third degree.

Certain exemptions exist for veterinarians and others who provide care for a sick or injured law enforcement animal. The amendments also added this paragraph in the affirmative defense section of the law:

(b) A person is justified in using physical force upon a law enforcement animal to defend their own person or a third person when the person reasonably believes that a law enforcement animal is an application of unreasonable or excessive force, in violation of section 18–1–707. This is an affirmative defense to a charge brought pursuant to this section that involves injury or death to a law enforcement animal.

Pet animal facility:

In 2024, the Clinton Pet Animal Notification Act was added to the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (§ 35–80–108). This new requires any pet animal facility (facility) licensed under the "Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act" to make every reasonable attempt to provide notification of an infectious disease outbreak at the facility to all individuals who own a pet animal that is in the possession of the facility or who used the facility during the reported outbreak and incubation period. A facility is required to provide such notification to pet animal owners within 24 hours after the facility receives notification from a licensed veterinarian or a pet animal owner, if the pet animal owner provides documentation from a licensed veterinarian or other proof of treatment, of an outbreak of an infectious disease at the facility.

Veterinary practice:

The Colorado Veterinary Practice Act was amended throughout in 2024. Significantly, the legislature added an entire new section on the "Use of Telehealth to Provide Veterinary Services."

Connecticut

C.G.S.A. § 53–247

C.G.S.A. § 22-358

C. G. S. A. § 22-345

C. G. S. A. § 20-204b

Cruelty:

Connecticut's primary anti-cruelty law (§ 53–247) was amended in 2024. Specifically, a restitution component was added for those who intentionally harm/kill search and rescue dogs who assist law enforcement. Violators "shall be required to pay restitution to the law enforcement unit, entity or individual that owns such animal or dog. Such restitution may include, but need not be limited to, the cost of veterinary services for the injured animal or dog and, if such animal or dog is rendered unable to perform its duties, the costs and expenses of the purchase and training of a replacement animal or dog."

Dog laws:

The law on the disposition of dogs doing damage (the dangerous dog law) received a complete overhaul in terms of language and where provisions appear (§ 22-358).

Service animal:

Connecticut's law on licensing and registration of dogs used as service animals was amended in 2024. Section 22-345, previously stated that any blind, deaf or mobility impaired person who is the owner or keeper of a dog which has been trained and educated to guide and assist such person in traveling upon the public streets or highways or otherwise shall receive a license and tag for such dog from the town clerk of the town where such dog is owned or kept at no fee. Under the recent changes, it is now any person with a disability who uses a trained service animal, is training to become a service animal, or is enrolled in a program described in section 17a-22ee shall receive a license and tag for such dog from the town clerk of the town where such dog is owned or kept for no fee. The town clerk may inquire whether the dog is a service animal and what work or task the dog has been trained to perform if the disability is not "obvious."

The state also enacted new laws C.G.S.A. P.A. 24-18, § 15 on "Educational materials regarding service animals, emotional support animals and therapy animals."

Veterinary practice:

A new law (§ 20-204b) was enacted that mandates reporting of suspected animal fighting to local law enforcement or animal control:

(a) Any veterinarian licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, who in the course of his or her employment, has reasonable cause to suspect that an animal is being or has been harmed, neglected or treated cruelly due to participation in an exhibition of animal fighting for amusement or gain, shall report the following information to the local law enforcement agency or animal control officer: (1) The address of the owner or other person responsible for care of the animal; (2) a description of the animal; and (3) the approximate date and time of discovery of such harm, neglect or cruelty.

(b) Any veterinarian who, in good faith, makes a report pursuant to this section, shall be immune from any civil liability which might otherwise arise from or be related to the actions taken pursuant to this section and shall have the same immunity with respect to any judicial proceeding which results from such report. The immunity from civil liability extends only to actions done pursuant to this section and does not extend to the malpractice of a veterinarian that results in injury to, or the death of, an animal.

Delaware

11 Del.C. § 1326

16 Del.C. §§ 3071F to 3081F

Animal fighting:

Delaware's animal fighting law (11 Del.C. § 1326) added language addressing animal fighting paraphernalia. Under 2024 amendments, "a person who knowingly possesses, owns, buys, sells, transfers, or manufactures animal fighting paraphernalia with the intent to engage in or otherwise promote or facilitate such fighting, is guilty of a class E felony." The following definition and considerations were added:

(i) “Animal fighting paraphernalia” means equipment, products, implements, and materials of any kind that are used, intended for use, or designed for use in the training, preparation, conditioning, or furtherance of animal fighting, and includes, but is not limited to, the following: breaking sticks, cat mills, treadmills, slat mills, isolation huts, fighting pits, spring poles, unprescribed anabolic steroids, unprescribed anti-inflammatory steroids, unprescribed antibiotics, treatment supplies or gaffs, slashers, heels, or any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a cock or game fowl. In determining whether an object is animal fighting paraphernalia, the court may consider:

(1) Any prior convictions under federal or state law relating to animal fighting.

(2) The proximity of the object in time and space to the direct violation of this section.

(3) Direct or circumstantial evidence of the intent of the accused to deliver the object to persons whom he or she knows or should reasonably know intends to use the object to facilitate a violation of this section.

(4) Oral or written instructions provided with or in the vicinity of the object concerning its use.

(5) Descriptive materials accompanying the object which explain or depict its use.

(6) All other relevant factors.

also unpublished changes in 16 Del.C. § 3036F

Dangerous dog laws:

Delaware's dangerous dog laws (16 Del.C. §§ 3071F to 3081F) were amended throughout. Much of the change reflected a reorganization of parts of the laws and making terms clearer.

D.C.

Florida

West's F.S.A. § 379.40411

West's F.S.A. § 474.2021

Veterinary laws:

A new definition was added to Section § 474.2021 of Florida's veterinary practice laws for telehealth:

(14) “Veterinary telehealth” means the use of synchronous or asynchronous telecommunications technology by a telehealth provider to provide health care services, including, but not limited to, assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, and monitoring of a patient; transfer of medical data; patient and professional health-related education; public health services; and health administration.

Wildlife:

Florida added a new law to its wild animal chapter. Under the new law (379.40411), a person is not subject to any administrative, civil, or criminal penalty for taking a bear with lethal force if:

(a) The person reasonably believed that his or her action was necessary to avoid an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to himself or herself or to another, an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to a pet, or substantial damage to a dwelling as defined in s. 776.013(5);

(b) The person did not lure the bear with food or attractants for an illegal purpose, including, but not limited to, training dogs to hunt bears;

(c) The person did not intentionally or recklessly place himself or herself or a pet in a situation in which he or she would be likely to need to use lethal force as described in paragraph (a); and

(d) The person notified the commission within 24 hours after he or she used lethal force to take the bear.

Georgia

Veterinary laws:

A new law was added to Georgia's veterinary practice laws. Under new § 43-50-42.1, the law states that, "[n]o later than December 31, 2024, the board shall adopt rules and regulations implementing a process by which the holder of an active veterinary license or veterinary technician license from another state, in good standing in such state, may qualify for a one-time, six-month temporary license, license by endorsement, or a combination thereof, for practice in government or nonprofit shelter medicine, nonprofit sterilization clinics, or nonprofit mobile sterilization programs registered with this state."

Hawaii

HRS § 471-2

Veterinary laws:

In the law describing the practice of veterinary medicine (§ 471–2), amendments in 2024 made it clear on what medical activities require a veterinary medicine license. These include the following medical procedures:

(A) A cesarean section;

(B) Ear cropping;

(C) Tail docking;

(D) Ventriculocordectomy, also known as devocalization or debarking;

(E) Onychectomy, also known as declawing, or dewclaw removal; or

(F) Elastration or castration via banding;

Idaho

Wildlife:

Idaho enacted a new law (I.C. § 36-1121) that provides compensation to livestock owners that have experienced depredation of livestock by grizzly bears and wolves. Beginning on July 1, 2024, and each July 1 thereafter, the legislature shall appropriate $225,000 annually to the fund. Compensation for claims validated or deemed probable shall be based on current fair market value as provided by the Idaho state department of agriculture. Any other compensation paid to a livestock owner for depredation shall be deducted from the fair market value prior to payment.

Illinois

Indiana

I.C. 15-21-1-1 - 15-21-7-4

I.C. 15-17.5-2-1 - 3-2

Dog breeding:

Extensive changes with respect to Indiana's commercial dog breeder law appearing at I.C. 15-21-1-1 - 15-21-7-4.

Health:

A new chapter established the Indiana Center for Animal Policy (I.C. 15-17.5-2-1 - 3-2).

Iowa

I. C. A. 717C.1

I. C. A. § 169.1 - 56

Sexual assault of an animal/bestiality:

Iowa revamped its law on bestiality in 2024. In particular, the definition for "sex act" was expanded. Previously, it was limited to "any sexual contact between a person and an animal by penetration of the penis into the vagina or anus, contact between the mouth and genitalia, or by contact between the genitalia of one and the genitalia or anus of the other." The new definition is much more expansive and includes indirect activities:

(1) An act between a person and an animal involving physical contact between the sex organ, genitals, or anus of one and the mouth, sex organ, genitals, or anus of the other.

(2) Any touching or fondling by a person, either directly or through clothing, of the sex organ, genitals, or anus of an animal or any insertion, however slight, of any part of a person's body or any object into the vaginal or anal opening of an animal except for veterinarian advised care of the animal.

(3) Any insertion, however slight, of any part of an animal's body into the vaginal or anal opening of a person.

(4) Advertising, offering, selling, transferring, purchasing, or otherwise obtaining an animal with the intent that the animal be used for sexual contact in this state.

(5) Organizing, promoting, conducting, or participating as an observer of an act involving conduct described in subparagraph (1), (2), or (3).

(6) Knowingly permits conduct described in subparagraph (1), (2), or (3) to occur in any premises under the person's ownership or control.

(7) Photographing or filming obscene material, as defined in section 728.1, depicting a person engaging in conduct described in subparagraph (1), (2), or (3).

(8) Distributing, selling, publishing, or transmitting obscene material, as defined in section 728.1, depicting a person engaged in conduct described in subparagraph (1), (2), or (3).

(9) Possessing with the intent to distribute, sell, publish, or transmit obscene material, as defined in section 728.1, depicting a person engaged in conduct described in subparagraph (1), (2), or (3).

(10) Forcing, coercing, enticing, or encouraging a minor to engage in conduct described in subparagraph (1), (2), or (3).

(11) Engaging in a sex act in the presence of a minor.

In addition, the amendment added a sentence enhancement for subsequent convictions. A person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this section is guilty of a class “D” felony.

Veterinary:

The state revamped the veterinary practice laws. In particular, several sections were added that described the roles and limitations for veterinary assistants, veterinary students, and other personnel (I. C. A. § 169.1 - 56).

Kansas

Cruelty laws:

Kansas amended the law on "harming or killing certain dogs" with respect to public service dogs. The following specific provisions related to sentencing and restitution were then added:

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), violation of subsection (a) that results in disability or death to a police dog, arson dog, game warden dog, search and rescue dog or police horse is a severity level 4, nonperson felony.

(3) Violation of subsection (a) that results in disability or death to a police dog, arson dog, game warden dog, search and rescue dog or police horse during the commission of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer as described in K.S.A. 8-1568, and amendments thereto, interference with law enforcement as described in K.S.A. 21-5904, and amendments thereto, or escape from custody or aggravated escape from custody as described in K.S.A. 21-5911, and amendments thereto, is a severity level 3, nonperson felony.

(4) The following conditions shall apply to a sentence imposed pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3):

(A) As a condition of any probation granted, the person shall serve at least 90 days of imprisonment;

(B) the person shall be required to pay a fine of at least $10,000; and

(C) the person shall not be eligible for release on probation, suspension or reduction of sentence or parole until the person has served the mandatory sentence of 90 days.

Kentucky

KRS § 525.135

KRS § 258.500

Cruelty:

Under Section 525.135 on the torture of dog or cat, specific provisions that describe what torture means were added:

(a) “Torture” means the intentional infliction of or subjection to extreme physical pain or serious injury or death to a dog or cat, motivated by intent or wanton disregard that causes, increases, or prolongs the pain or suffering of the dog or cat, including serious physical injury or infirmity. “Torture” shall include situations where the extreme physical pain, serious physical injury or infirmity, or death results from restraint of the dog or cat, which may include being:

1. Locked in a cage or kennel;

2. Sealed in a plastic bag or box;

3. Chained or tied down to restrict motion;

4. Pitched in a dumpster;

5. Abandoned in a building for three (3) days or more with no intention of returning or having made provisions for the animal's care;

6. Physically restrained with tie wraps, rope, chains, or tape;

7. Intentionally injured to cause immobility so that the animal cannot save itself from starvation, dehydration, physical impairment, serious physical injury or infirmity, or death; or

8. Manually restrained

In addition, definitions were added for the following:

(b) “Serious physical injury or infirmity” means physical injury or physical infirmity that creates a substantial risk of death, protracted loss, or impairment of the function of the limb or bodily organ caused by willful or wanton disregard while restrained. As used in this paragraph:

1. “Physical infirmity” includes intentional starvation, dehydration, hypothermia, hyperthermia, muscle atrophy, restriction of blood flow to a limb or organ, mange or other skin disease or parasitic infestation for which medical care has been denied, denial of life-saving medical care or professional euthanasia while intentionally restraining with the intent to cause or the wanton disregard for extreme physical pain, serious injury, or death; and

2. “Physical injury” includes substantial physical pain, serious injury, or death intentionally caused by fractures, cuts, burns, punctures, bruises due to crushing, burning, drowning, beating, poisoning, suffocating, hanging, impaling or skinning alive, physical disfigurement, loss of function of a limb or body organ or other wounds or illnesses produced by violence or a thermal or chemical agent while intentionally restrained with the intent to cause or the wanton disregard for extreme physical pain, serious injury, or death.

Service animal laws:

Changes were made to the law that allows public access for disabled individuals who use service animals. Kentucky differentiated the following types of dogs:

(a) “Assistance dog” means a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with disabilities and is considered a service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. sec. 12101 et seq.;

(b) “Emotional support animal” means a companion animal that may provide support to alleviate the symptoms or effects of a person's disability, but the animal has not been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with disabilities and is not considered a service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. sec. 12101 et seq.

"Person with a disability" was also clarified to mean a person "who has an ongoing therapeutic relationship with a health care provider for the provision of care with at least one (1) of the following health care providers who maintains an active practice within the state." Following this general definition are specific professionals who would qualify for this role. The amendments make it clear that "'[t]herapeutic relationship with a health care provider' does not include transactions for documentation of disability in exchange for a fee unless there has been a face-to-face in-office consultation with the health care provider."

Subsequent paragraphs make it clear that an establishment may "[a]sk if the dog is an assistance dog and what tasks the dog performs for the person making the request to be accompanied by an assistance dog" and may "[m]aintain a general no pets policy if the policy is not used to exclude assistance dogs." This includes the ability to "[r]efuse admittance of an assistance dog if admittance jeopardizes the health and safety of others."

Finally, with respect to tenancy, the following subsection was added:

(14) Any establishment under subsection (6) of this section that would admit an animal under tenancy may request documentation if the disability or disability-related need is not readily apparent. Documentation shall be from a health care provider listed in subsection (1)(c)1.a. to f. of this section with whom the person requesting an assistance dog has an ongoing therapeutic relationship. Documentation shall identify the work or tasks that the assistance animal performs for the person that are directly related to that person's disability or therapeutic needs.

Louisiana

LSA-R.S. 14:102.1

LSA-C.C. Art. 2321

LA R.S. 14:102.5

LSA-R.S. 46:1974

Cruelty:

The state made a slight change to its main anti-cruelty law. The crime of simple cruelty added a possession ban: "[i]n addition, the court may issue an order prohibiting the defendant from owning or keeping animals for a period of not more than one year." For a second or subsequent offense of simple cruelty, it was previously mandated that the court impose a possession ban that was open-ended: "[i]n addition, the court shall issue an order prohibiting the defendant from owning or keeping animals for a period of time deemed appropriate by the court." After the 2024 amendments, this is now discretionary and the period is limited to five years: "[i]n addition, the court may issue an order prohibiting the defendant from owning or keeping animals for a period of not more than five years."

Dangerous dogs:

The state's primary dog bite/dangerous animal law added the term "livestock." The law states, "[t]he owner of an animal, including livestock, is answerable for the damage caused by the animal." Previously, livestock was not explicitly listed in that sentence. 

A subsection clarifying the events that trigger liability for livestock owners was also added:

C. The owner of livestock is liable for damages for injuries to persons or property caused by the livestock that escape an enclosure and the owner could have prevented by an exercise of reasonable care. The owner of livestock is not liable for damages for injuries to person or property for livestock that escape an enclosure due to any of the following:

(1) A fortuitous event.

(2) No fault of the owner.

(3) Third-party provocation of the livestock.

LSA-C.C. Art. 2321

Dogfighting:

The state amended its dogfighting statute (14:102.5) by adding a definition for "bait dog" and making it illegal to possess a bait dog:

A. No person shall intentionally do any of the following:

* * *

(7)(a) Own, possess, keep, or train a dog for purpose of dogfighting.

(b) The following activities shall be admissible as evidence of a violation of this Paragraph:

* * *

(iv) Possession or use of a bait dog to train another dog for dogfighting.

This change resulted in an exemption to own a bait dog for rehabilitation purposes:

D. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit any of the following activities:

* * *

(5) Owning or possessing a former bait dog for the purpose of providing it with rehabilitative care.

Service animals:

A new chapter was enacted on service and support animals entitled the "Support and Service Animal Integrity Act." The legislative intent statute reveals its purpose:

The purpose and intent of this Chapter is to restore integrity into the process of determining whether an individual has a disability which requires the use of a support animal and to impose penalties on those who determine that an individual requires the use of a support animal without having a reliable basis to do so and those who claim the need for a support animal on account of a disability or handicap without having a reliable basis for that need. It is the further purpose and intent of this Chapter to place limitations on individuals and businesses selling support animals and items attendant to support animals. It is also the purpose and intent of this Chapter to penalize those who misrepresent an animal as a service dog and to provide immunity to owners and lessors of residential dwellings from and against liability for injuries and damages caused by support animals and service dogs.

LSA-R.S. 46:1974

Maine

Maryland

MD Code, Insurance, § 19-1101 - 1107

MD Code, Agriculture, §
2-301

MD Code, Agriculture, § 2-309.1

Insurance:

Maryland enacted a subtitle on pet insurance through H.B. No. 647. According to the bill, the "purpose of establishing requirements and prohibitions for pet insurance policies that are issued to a resident of the State, or are sold, solicited, negotiated, or offered in the State, including disclosure requirements and requirements and prohibitions related to wellness programs; requiring the Maryland Insurance Administration to develop informational material about pet insurance policies that may be disseminated to and posted by veterinary practitioners; and generally relating to pet insurance."

Veterinary practice:

A new section was added to the veterinary practice code. New section 2-309.1 outlines the scope of work and tasks that may be performed under the direct supervision of a veterinary practitioner or veterinary technician under the direct supervision of a veterinary practitioner. This addition resulted in a change to the definitional section of the code (§ 2-301) by creating a definition for "veterinary assistant." A veterinary assistant means a person who aids a veterinarian or veterinary technician in patient care; and is not registered with the Board as a veterinary technician.

Massachusetts

Dog laws:

A new law was enacted in 2024 on commercial boarding or training kennels. Under the new law, the department of agricultural resources shall promulgate rules and regulations for commercial boarding or training kennels, including those located at a private residence, which may include, but not be limited to, licensing, inspection, compliance and enforcement, use of best practices and operation, provider and staff to animal ratios, fire and emergency planning, injury reporting, group sizes and supervision, minimum housing and care requirements, indoor and outdoor physical facility requirements, utilities, body language interpretation, breed familiarity, dog handling, insurance, proper education and training of commercial boarding or training kennel staff, operational safety standards, risk management, and consumer education and protection. Commercial boarding or training kennels shall report to the licensing authority injuries to animals or people that occur on their premises and the department or licensing authority shall investigate all reports. The department shall develop a form for such reporting and a time frame for submitting a report after an injury. The form shall be available on the department's website for the public to report such injuries.

Michigan

M.C.L. 287.381

M.C.L. 287.387

M.C.L. 287.388a

M.C.L. 287.392

Beagle Freedom law:

"Teddy's Law" became effective in February of 2024 (287.388a). This law requires a research facility to first offer a dog or cat that would otherwise be euthanized to an animal shelter for adoption and prescribe administrative fines for failing to do so. It also provides research facilities and shelters with civil liability immunity in the transfer of the animals.

This package of bills also resulted in several definitions being added to M.C.L. 287.381 for things like "laboratory animal," "laboratory research," and "animal protection shelter."

In Section 287.387, the following provision was added in 2024: "(2) The department shall maintain and make available on its website a list of all research facilities operating in this state."

Finally, in Section 287.392, violations of this act were expanded:

(2) If a research facility violates section 8a,1 the department, after notice and opportunity for a hearing under the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328, may impose an administrative fine as follows:

(a) If the violation involved 1 laboratory animal, a fine of not more than $1,000.00.

(b) If the violation involved 2 or 3 laboratory animals, a fine of not more than $2,000.00.

(c) If the violation involved 4 or more laboratory animals, but fewer than 10 laboratory animals, or the research facility has 1 prior violation under section 8a, a fine of not more than $3,000.00.

(d) If the violation involved 10 or more laboratory animals, but fewer than 25 laboratory animals, or the research facility has 2 prior violations under section 8a, a fine of not more than $5,000.00.

(e) If the violation involved 25 or more laboratory animals, or the research facility has 3 or more prior violations under section 8a, a fine of not more than $10,000.00.

Minnesota

M. S. A. § 504B.113

M. S. A. § 346.021

Assistance animals:

Under the law on assistance animals in housing, a new subsection was added:

(b) If a landlord requires an additional fee, charge, or deposit pursuant to a pet policy, the landlord must disclose in the lease the prohibition on additional fees, charges, or deposits for service or support animals under this section.

(c) A tenant may bring an action to recover any fees, charges, or deposits paid to a landlord pursuant to a pet policy if:

(1) the landlord fails to provide the disclosure required in paragraph (b); and

(2) the tenant demonstrates that the tenant would have requested a reasonable accommodation and would likely have received a reasonable accommodation had the landlord provided the disclosure under paragraph (b).

Dogs/estrays:

In the law on "estrays," a new law was added concerning notice for finders. Section 346.021 states:

A person who finds an estray and knows who owns the estray must notify the estray's owner within seven days after finding the estray and request that the owner pay all reasonable charges and take the estray away. A finder who does not know who owns an estray must either:

(1) within ten days, file a notice with the town or city clerk and post a physical or online notice of the finding of the estray. The notice must briefly describe the estray or provide a photograph of the estray, provide the residence or contact information of the finder, and provide the approximate location and time when the finder found the estray; or

(2) within seven days, surrender the estray to a local animal control agency or to a kennel as defined in section 347.31, subdivision 2.

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

O. R. S. § 167.322

O. R. S. § 632.850

Cruelty laws:

HB 4145 was enacted in 2024. This bill addresses the issues of aggravated animal abuse, specifically targeting animal crush videos. As a result, new definitions for "maliciously," "torture," and "visual recording" were added to Section 167.310. Then, to Section 167.322, the aggravated animal cruelty law, the crime of "crime of encouraging aggravated animal abuse in the first degree" was added. The new provisions create aggravated animal abuse in the first and second degrees:

(1) A person commits the crime of encouraging aggravated animal abuse in the first degree if the person:

(a)(A) Knowingly develops, duplicates, publishes, prints, disseminates, exchanges, displays, finances, attempts to finance or sells a visual recording of an act described in ORS 167.322 (1)(a) or (b), or knowingly possesses, accesses or views such a visual recording with the intent to develop, duplicate, publish, print, disseminate, exchange, display or sell it; or

(B) Knowingly brings into this state, or causes to be brought or sent into this state, for sale or distribution, a visual recording of an act described in ORS 167.322 (1)(a) or (b); and

(b) Knows or is aware of and consciously disregards the fact that creation of the visual recording of an act described in ORS 167.322 (1)(a) or (b) involved aggravated animal abuse.

(2) Encouraging aggravated animal abuse in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

Eggs:

A law was repealed in the laws on eggs and egg-laying hens. Section 632.850 concerning the "sale of eggs or egg products that are products of egg-laying hens in noncompliant enclosures prohibited" was repealed. This laws previously stated, " [a] person may not sell eggs or egg products that the person knows, or reasonably should know, are the product of an egg-laying hen that has been confined, during the production of the eggs, in an enclosure that fails to comply with the rules adopted by the State Department of Agriculture under ORS 632.840."

Pennsylvania

3 P.S. § 459-206

3 P.S. § 459-207

3 P.S. § 459-211

3 P.S. § 459-214

3 P.S. § 459-217

23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6108

Dogs:

In 2024, S.B. 82 was passed that created changes throughout the Dog Law chapter. Most of these amendments concerned changes to kennel provisions. In terms of significant changes in that legislation, there was the creation of "Service Dog Kennels." To keep or operate a service dog kennel, an operator must pay a fee of $35 per year (§ 459-206). In Section § 459-207, requirements on kennels that import dogs from other states or countries were amended. These changes included a quarantine requirement and vaccinations. Finally, the fee exemption portion of § 459-217 related to service dogs used by individuals and public service departments were clarified.

Domestic violence:

This Pennsylvania law entitled the Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse (PFA) Act was amended in 2024, effective in 2025. Under new subsection (a)(9.1), an order or agreement of protection may include, "[g]ranting temporary ownership rights over a companion animal and directing the defendant to refrain from possessing, contacting, attempting to contact, transferring or relocating the companion animal or contacting or entering the property of any person sheltering the companion animal."

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Code 1976 § 47-1-140

Code 1976 § 47-1-145

Code 1976 § 50-15-100

Code 1976 § 50-11-785

Cruelty:

Under the state's anti-cruelty laws, a law on the procedure for care of animals after an arrest for animal cruelty. Previously, § 47-1-140 granted a lien to the officer making the arrest for the expense of such care. That lien was extinguished if the person was not charged, charges were dismissed, or the person was found not guilty. Now, the amended language of that law states that the officer "shall use reasonable diligence to give notice to the owner of the animals found in the charge or custody of the person arrested, if the person is not the owner, and shall care and provide properly for the animals." However, the law does note that an animal may be seized preceding an arrest and pursuant to Section 47-1-150. Changes were also made to § 47-1-145 on the custody and care of animals after arrest.

Endangered species:

A new law was added to Chapter 15, the "Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act." The new section (§ 50-15-100) prohibits the release of certain records that disclose the location of endangered or threatened species:

The department may not release records in its possession that contain site-specific information including, but not limited to, unique numeric identifiers of precise geographic locations, telemetry, or other locational data, regarding the occurrence of federal- or state-listed rare, threatened, species in need of management, endangered, or otherwise imperiled plant and animal species on public or private property, except in support of scientific, conservation, or educational purposes. The owner or owners of private property upon which threatened, endangered, or at-risk species occur shall be entitled to records specific to said property upon the request to the department.

Dogs, hunting:

A new law was added to laws on dogs and hunting (§ 50-11-785). The law prohibits the removal or destruction of electronic collars:

(A) It is unlawful to intentionally remove or destroy an electronic collar or other electronic device placed on a dog by its owner.

(B) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be:

(1) fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than ten days for a first offense; or

(2) fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days for a second or subsequent offense.

South Dakota

Cruelty:

In a slight change to the law on neglect, abandonment, or mistreatment of an animal, the following sentence, shown in bold, was added related to feral cats: 

No person owning or responsible for the care of an animal may neglect, abandon, or mistreat the animal, except that any person may abandon a feral cat for which the person assumed responsibility with the sole purpose of spaying or neutering the cat. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

S D C L § 40-1-2.3.

Tennessee

T. C. A. § 66-7-111

T. C. A. § 66-28-406

T. C. A. § 63-12-126

Assistance animals:

Under the laws on the use of a service or support animal in housing by a tenant, a new provision was added to the definition for "reliable documentation." The term "[d]oes not include documentation provided through a website, the primary function of which is to provide a certificate, registration, license, or similar document for a service animal or support animal for a fee . . ." This applies to both T. C. A. § 66-7-111 and T. C. A. § 66-28-406.

Veterinary:

In 2024, Tennessee became one of more than twenty states with a law on veterinary reporting for suspected animal cruelty. Under new section § 63-12-126, a licensed veterinarian may report suspected animal cruelty and is immune from such good faith reporting:

(a) Notwithstanding § 63-12-124 or another provision of law to the contrary, a licensed veterinarian, while acting in a professional capacity and in a current veterinarian-client-patient relationship, having reasonable cause to believe that an animal has been subjected to animal cruelty in violation of § 39-14-202, § 39-14-214, or § 39-14-217, may make or cause to be made a report of such violation to the commissioner of agriculture or the commissioner's designee, an animal control officer, a law enforcement agency, or a district attorney and may appear and testify in a judicial or administrative proceeding concerning the care of the animal.

(b) A licensed veterinarian or person participating in the making of a report pursuant to subsection (a) is not in breach of veterinarian-client-patient confidentiality by making the report or participating in a judicial or administrative proceeding pursuant to subsection (a) and is immune from any civil or criminal liability or disciplinary action by the board, as long as such participation pursuant to subsection (a) is made in good faith.

Texas

Utah

U.C.A. 1953 § 76-9-301.9

U.C.A. 1953 § 4-2-504

Cruelty laws:

In 2024, Utah enacted a new law establishing standards at animal care facilities. An “animal care facility” means an animal rescue, animal sanctuary, or animal shelter. For a dog in an animal care facility's possession, the animal care facility shall ensure that: (a) a female dog does not produce more than one litter in any twelve-month period, unless a licensed veterinarian has examined the female dog and has determined that it is safe for the dog to produce more than one litter in a twelve-month period; and (b) a dog under eight weeks of age or a dog not properly weaned is not sold. Recordkeeping provisions are also established. An animal care facility's violation of a requirement described in this section is an infraction subject to a fine of $750. A veterinarian who, acting in good faith, reports a violation of this section to law enforcement or the Department of Agriculture and Food may not be held civilly liable for making the report.

Animal health:

In the chapter on animal health, the law on "horse tripping education" and "reporting requirements" was repealed (§ 4-2-504). The repealed law required the Department of Agriculture and Food to send a letter, annually, to venues that host horse events that outlined the reporting requirements of Section 4-2-503 and also provided educational information on the negative effects of horse tripping.

Vermont

Pet shop sales ban:

In 2024, Vermont enacted a ban on the sale of cats and dogs at pet shops (20 V.S.A. § 3931). Under the new law, a pet shop shall not offer a dog, cat, or wolf-hybrid for sale. The prohibition did not apply to a pet shop that lawfully offered animals for sale prior to July 1, 2024, provided that the pet shop complies with all steps listed in the law. A pet shop may still provide space to an animal shelter or a rescue organization offering dogs, cats, or wolf-hybrids to the public for adoption for an adoption fee. A person who violates this section shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $1,000.00 and shall be subject to the suspension or revocation of the person's pet shop license. Each instance of a person offering an animal for sale in violation of this section constitutes a separate violation.

Virginia

VA Code Ann. § 3.2-6570

VA Code Ann. § 3.2-6573.1

VA Code Ann. § 3.2-6589.1

VA Code Ann. § 54.1-3814

Cruelty:

In the primary anti-cruelty law, the "possession ban"  paragraph was amended. Previously, subsection (G) stated, "[a]ny person convicted of violating this section may be prohibited by the court from possession or ownership of companion animals." Under changes in 2024, the subsection was clarified and expanded to read:

G. Any person convicted of a violation of this section that is punishable as a felony may be prohibited by the court from possession or ownership of companion or equine animals for life, and any person convicted of a violation of this section that is punishable as a misdemeanor may be prohibited by the court from possession or ownership of such animals for a period of up to five years. In addition, a violation of any prohibition or restriction imposed by the sentencing court pursuant to this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and all animals under the court's order may be seized and forfeited. The court may order that any animal possessed or owned by such person may be disposed of by a local governing body pursuant to subsection D of § 3.2-6546 or delivered to another person with a right of property in the animal.

H. Any person who has his rights to possession or ownership of companion or equine animals prohibited pursuant to a felony conviction in accordance with subsection G may petition the court where such conviction occurred for a restoration of his rights after five years from the date of conviction.

§ 3.2-6570.

Cruelty registry:

A new law allowing local animal cruelty registries was enacted. Under § 3.2-6573.1, ["[a]ny locality may establish, organize, and maintain a computerized animal cruelty registry as a database of information regarding persons convicted of a felony violation of (i) cruelty to animals as provided by § 3.2-6570; (ii) animal fighting as provided by § 3.2-6571; (iii) maiming, killing, or poisoning an animal as provided by § 18.2-144; or (iv) killing or injuring a police animal as provided by § 18.2-144.1. Information on such registry may include the name and address of the offender at the time of conviction as well as the offense for which the offender was convicted and the date and place of conviction. Access to such registry may be made available to the public on the website of the locality or local police department."

Elephants:

A new law was added to the anti-cruelty chapter that prohibits the use of certain "training" devices on elephants. Section § 3.2-6589.1 makes it unlawful for any person to (i) use electricity, martingales, or block and tackle, engage in physical punishment resulting in damage, scarring, or breaking of skin, or insert any instrument into any bodily orifice of an elephant to discipline an elephant; (ii) use a bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, or other device designed to inflict fear or pain for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of an elephant; or (iii) brandish, exhibit, or display any device described in clause (ii) in the presence of an elephant.

Veterinary practice/cat declawing:

Section § 54.1-3814 of the veterinary medicine code was enacted in 2024 prohibiting cat "de-clawing" or onychectomy. It is unlawful for any person engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine to perform a declawing procedure on a cat, except such person may perform such a procedure if it is necessary for a therapeutic purpose.

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming