Animal Law

It’s illegal in Pennsylvania to mistreat, neglect, or abandon animals, or to tether dogs outside under certain conditions. Penalties can range from fines to felony charges. ... Read more

You can be charged with a crime in Florida if you abuse or neglect a dog or other animal. And if you leave your pet locked in a hot or cold car, someone else is allowed to break in if needed ... Read more

It’s illegal in North Carolina to mistreat, neglect, or abandon animals. The state also allows civil lawsuits to take abused pets away from their owners or caretakers. ... Read more

It’s against the law in Tennessee to abuse, mistreat, abandon, or neglect pets. Learn what punishments animal abusers can face. ... Read more

You can be charged with a crime in Illinois if you abuse animals, don’t take proper care of your pets, or tether dogs in a dangerous way. ... Read more

It’s a crime in Ohio to abuse or neglect pets, and the state allows Good Samaritans to rescue neglected pets or animals locked in hot cars. ... Read more

California outlaws many forms of animal abuse and neglect. The state also allows bystanders to rescue endangered pets from locked cars. ... Read more

It can be difficult—but not impossible—to get fair compensation for your loss when a pet dies or suffers as a result of a vet’s careless or incompetent treatment. ... Read more

It’s illegal in Michigan to abuse, abandon, neglect, or mistreat animals—or to threaten to torture or kill a pet as a way to terrorize or control another person. ... Read more

Learn about the criminal penalties and other consequences in Iowa for abusing, neglecting, or torturing animals. ... Read more

Learn about pet "lemon laws" and other ways you may be able to get a refund, exchange, or payment for some vet bills if you buy an unhealthy companion animal. ... Read more

Animal abuse may be a crime around the country, but states have different standards for illegal mistreatment or neglect of pets. ... Read more

It’s a crime in Virginia to abuse or abandon any animal or not properly care for a pet. Animal cruelty can result in felony charges. ... Read more

Mississippi outlaws cruelty to all animals, but the state gives special protection to pet dogs and cats. ... Read more

Kentucky outlaws cruel mistreatment, abandonment, or neglect of animals, but its animal protection laws are much less detailed than in many other states. ... Read more

Animal hoarding can create a nuisance and health hazard for people and pets alike. It may also be a crime. ... Read more

It’s illegal in New York to abuse, neglect, abandon, or endanger animals in a variety of ways—including leaving dogs outside in bad weather without adequate shelter. ... Read more

Learn about the practical and legal consequences of adopting a pet, including pet adoption contracts and what happens if you break the contract. ... Read more

Whether you’ve been bitten by an animal or your pet is the culprit, learn when vaccines are required for humans and animals, when pets can be quarantined, and when their owners are legally ... Read more

New Jersey has strong animal protection laws, with detailed requirements for proper care of pets. ... Read more