Legislative Advocacy
Laws That Protect Every Animal
We track, support, and champion animal welfare legislation at the state and federal level — turning public compassion into enforceable protections.
8
Bills Tracked This Session
8
States With Active Campaigns
Active Bills Tracker
Legislation We're Watching
Cosmetics Sales: Animal Testing Prohibition
Would prohibit the sale of cosmetics in Arizona that were developed or manufactured using animal testing. Part of a growing national movement to end cruel and unnecessary cosmetic testing on animals. Laws for Paws supports this bill as a step toward cruelty-free commerce.
Animal Abuse Database
Establishes a statewide database to track individuals convicted of animal abuse offenses in Arizona. A registry would help shelters, rescues, and pet stores screen potential adopters and buyers — preventing known abusers from obtaining animals. Laws for Paws strongly supports this bill.
Animal Abuse Database
Signed into federal law in 2019, the PACT Act made intentional acts of cruelty to animals a federal felony. Laws for Paws continues to advocate for robust enforcement and expansion of PACT Act protections to close remaining loopholes in interstate animal cruelty cases.
Humane Enclosures and Animal Requirements for Treatment Act
Would establish federal minimum care standards — including space, exercise, and veterinary care requirements — for dogs and cats at USDA-licensed breeding facilities. Laws for Paws is urging Congress to pass the HEART Act to end the worst conditions in commercial puppy mills nationwide.
Animal Welfare Act Modernization
Proposed amendments to expand the Animal Welfare Act's coverage to include birds, rats, and mice — animals currently excluded from federal protection. Laws for Paws supports closing this gap, which leaves millions of research animals without any federal welfare standards.
California: Pet Store Sourcing Transparency
Builds on California's landmark 2019 pet store law by strengthening disclosure requirements for the sourcing of dogs, cats, and rabbits sold in retail pet stores. Laws for Paws is monitoring this bill as a model for similar legislation in other states.
Illinois: Shelter Transparency & Reporting Act
Requires Illinois animal shelters and rescues to publicly report intake, adoption, transfer, and euthanasia statistics on a quarterly basis. Greater transparency helps advocates identify under-resourced shelters and direct support where it is needed most.
Texas: Felony Animal Cruelty Expansion
Would expand Texas's existing felony animal cruelty statute to cover additional categories of abuse and increase penalties for repeat offenders. Laws for Paws is supporting advocacy coalitions in Texas pushing for passage before the session closes.