The most recent animal protection laws rankings report has arrived and Colorado is at the top of the list in the U.S.

According to a report from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Colorado ranked in the top tier along with 14 other states when it comes to animal protection laws.

What is the Animal Legal Defense Fund?

The Animal Legal Defense Fund is, " a national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system."

Animals across the U.S. need advocates to speak on their behalf and this non-profit seeks to do just that by monitoring animal protection laws state by state.

How Did Colorado Rank on Animal Protection Laws?

The state of Colorado really proved just how much we love our pets and other wildlife animals by ranking in the top tier in 4th place.

Here's a ranking of the states in the top tier for animal protection laws:

  1. Maine
  2. Illinois
  3. Oregon
  4. Colorado
  5. Rhode Island
  6. Massachusetts
  7. Florida
  8. Louisiana
  9. California
  10. Washington
  11. Texas
  12. Indiana
  13. New Hampshire
  14. Michigan
  15. Pennslyvania

Colorado's Strengths and Weaknesses with Animal Protection Laws

While Colorado ranks within the top 5 places in the U.S. for animal protection laws, we still have room for improvement.

For example, Colorado could impose a Felony penalty for the first-offense sexual assault of an animal. Believe it or not, the sexual assault of animals is a major trend across the U.S., and by imposing harsher penalties for bestiality the state can save animals from further abuse.

Colorado could also improve its ranking by enacting a courtroom animal advocate program so that animals have a voice during a trial.

However, Colorado has plenty of amazing strengths when it comes to animal protection laws like protective orders that may include animals, increased penalties for repeat animal abusers, and the fact that civilians have civil immunity for rescuing animals
trapped in unattended vehicles.

Way to go Colorado!

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