Full Title Name:  Statutory Amendment Table

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

A. R. S. § 13–2910

Cruelty:

In 2025, the primary anti-cruelty law (§ 13–2910), had a new provision was added:

17. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fails to provide medical attention necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering to any domestic animal under the person's custody or control.

Then, subsection I(3) on what constitutes "cruel neglect" had this added:

3. “Cruel neglect” means to fail to provide an animal with necessary food, water or shelter or to fail to provide a domestic animal with any of the following:

(a) Except for a dog that primarily resides outdoors, access to shelter that is necessary and adequate.

(b) For a dog that primarily resides outdoors, except while a dog is engaged in or training for lawful hunting, police, military or patrol work, search and rescue, herding or livestock guarding, trials and other lawful competitions, service and assistance work and other working, sporting and competitive functions or is under the custody or control of a person who has no permanent place of residence, access to shelter that meets all of the following requirements:

(i) Has a natural or artificial cover that is accessible throughout the year.

(ii) Is maintained in good repair, is of sufficient size to protect the dog from injury and allows the dog to stand, turn around, lie down in a natural manner and maintain normal body temperature.

(iii) Is maintained in a manner that minimizes the risk of disease, infestation or parasites.

Additionally, in I(4), "bird, reptile or amphibian" was added under definition for "domestic animal."

In addition to these amendments, later amendments in the year added the following: "11. Intentionally or knowingly kills or seriously harms a service animal without either legal privilege or consent of the owner." This separated intentional interference from intentionally killing or seriously harming a service animal within the statute. Similarly, subsection 18 made it a crime when someone "[i]ntentionally or knowingly kills or causes serious harm to a working animal without either legal privilege or consent of the owner."

Arkansas

A.C.A. § 20-14-1005

A.C.A. § 5-62-128

A.C.A. § 20-19-102

A.C.A. § 17-101-104

Assistance animals:

A new law was added to Arkansas' subchapter on Emotional Support Animals in 2025. Section 20-14-1005 states that a private property or business owner may ban emotional support animals unless prohibited by federal law, can do so verbally or by posting a sign, and is generally not liable for injuries caused by such animals except in cases of gross negligence.

Cruelty:

In the anti-cruelty laws, a new law was passed (§ 5-62-128) concerning the securing of dogs and cats seized by law enforcement:

(a) In addition to the disposition of a dog or cat provided under § 5-62-106, following a complaint of cruelty to dogs or cats under this subchapter, a law enforcement officer may temporarily secure a dog or cat and transfer temporary possession of the dog or cat to an appropriate place of custody if a substantial likelihood exists that the condition of the dog or cat would deteriorate if the dog or cat was not secured by the law enforcement officer.

Dogs:

In the law on dogs injuring domesticated animals (§ 20-19-102), the term "other livestock" was added: 

(a)(1) As used in this section, “domesticated animals” includes, but is not limited to, without limitation sheep, goats, cattle, swine, and poultry, and other livestock.

Veterinary:

Finally, Arkansas' veterinary practice laws added new laws outlining the practice of veterinary telemedicine, including definitions in § 17-101-102 and veterinary telemedicine standards in § 17-101-104.

California

West's Ann.Cal.Fish & G.Code § 4030

West's Ann. Cal. Fish & G. Code § 15007.5

Beavers:

A new law became effective in 2025 related to the restoration of beaver populations. Section § 4030 of the Fish and Game Code establishes a program to promote beaver restoration across California by advising on policies and guidelines relating to beavers, coordinating restoration efforts, integrating methods to avoid or alleviate human-beaver conflict, relocating beavers into watersheds, and consulting with beaver restoration program partners.

Octopus:

Another new law effective in 2025 (§ 15007.5) makes it unlawful to engage in the aquaculture of any species of octopus for the purpose of human consumption. It also prohibits possession and transportation of octopus that are products of aquaculture.

Colorado

C. R. S. A. § 35-80-116.5

C. R. S. A. § 12-315-102

C.R.S.A. § 12-315-203.7

Pet sales: 

In section 35-80-116.5 on the creation of the Colorado "Pet Overpopulation Authority," the board composition was expanded to include a member from an animal shelter and a pet animal facility that is licensed and in good standing. The board amendments also concerned conflicts of interest, publication of findings, and disclosure of grant funding. The following subsection was added: "(II) The Colorado pet overpopulation authority must not favor a particular shelter model when allocating money from the adopt a shelter pet account." Significantly, the amendments also now provide that  "[t]he authority shall establish a trap-neuter-return funded by the adopt a shelter pet account. The authority may award money from the adopt a shelter pet account to animal welfare facilities located in Colorado to implement trap-neuter-return for the purposes described. . . ." Definitions related to the TNR program were added as well as the priorities that grantees must focus their funding (i.e., sterilization, trapping, training of volunteers, and veterinary care).  

Veterinary:

Amendments that became effective in 2026, transformed the legislative declaration for the Colorado Veterinary Practice Act. Previously, Section 12-315-102 stated:

This article 315 is enacted as an exercise of the police powers of the state to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by safeguarding the people of this state against incompetent, dishonest, or unprincipled practitioners of veterinary medicine. It is hereby declared that the practice of veterinary medicine is a privilege conferred upon persons possessed of the personal and professional qualifications specified in this article 315.

Now, the Act's declaration is much more expansive and detailed:

(1) This article 315 is enacted as an exercise of the police powers of the state to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by safeguarding the people of this state against incompetent, dishonest, or unprincipled practitioners of veterinary medicine. It is hereby declared that the practice of veterinary medicine is a privilege conferred upon persons possessed of the personal and professional qualifications specified in this article 315.

(2) The people of the state of Colorado declare that:

(a) There is a critical veterinary workforce shortage impacting the animals of Colorado;

(b) The veterinary workforce shortage is causing an access-to-veterinary-care crisis in Colorado;

(c) The access-to-veterinary-care crisis is threatening the welfare of companion animals, the livelihood of members of Colorado’s animal agriculture industry, and the safety of our food supply;

(d) The veterinary workforce shortage and access-to-veterinary-care crisis cannot be solved without seeking new ways to bring additional people into the veterinary workforce; and

(e) Experts in veterinary medicine have identified a mid-level veterinary practitioner career pathway as one solution to the veterinary workforce shortage and access-to-veterinary-care crisis.

Additionally, a new law (§ 12-315-203.7) was added that creates the role of "Veterinary Professional Associate," which includes details about age, master's level educational requirements, and the national credentialing exam, among other things. 

Connecticut

Research animals:

Amendments in 2025 added rabbit, guinea pig, ferret to the "Beagle Freedom" law in Section § 10a-150e.

Delaware

11 Del.C. § 4130 - 4133

16 Del.C. § 3057F

Cruelty:

Delaware enacted Subchapter IV, the Animal Abuse Offender List which became effective August 21, 2025. The act creates a public, online "animal abuse offender list" maintained by the Office of Animal Welfare. The list includes the names, birth dates, booking photos, and convictions of adults found guilty of specified animal abuse offenses, with information retained for five years for misdemeanors and fifteen years for felonies. Individuals may petition the court for early removal after two years for misdemeanors or seven years for felonies, and removal is automatic if the underlying conviction is expunged.

Dogs:

In 2025, Delaware became one of only a few states to pass a dog barking law. Under new § 3057F, dog owners cannot allow their dog to create a noise disturbance by barking, whining, or howling continuously for 15 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes or more. Exceptions apply during specific events like trespassing, for dogs in facilities such as shelters or clinics, and for activities including hunting, herding, or service dog duties. Penalties begin with a written warning and escalate to civil fines up to $150 for subsequent violations.

D.C.

Florida

West's F.S.A. § 828.12 

West's F.S.A. § 828.13

West's F. S. A. § 767.12

Cruelty:

In 2025, Florida enacted “Dexter's Law.” This modified § 828.12, the primary anti-cruelty law, to require ". . . the Department of Law Enforcement shall post on its website, in a searchable format prescribed by the department, the names of those individuals who have been convicted of, or who have entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a violation of this section." The law became effective January 1, 2026.

Section 828.13 on the confinement of animals without sufficient care, added specific provisions on restraining an animal during a natural disaster. New subsection (4) states that "[a]ny person who restrains a dog outside during a natural disaster and thereafter abandons the dog commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both."

Dangerous dogs:

In the law on classifying dangerous dogs, several new provisions were added in 2025. Chief among them are a requirement that a microchip is implanted, with penalties for unauthorized removal; a requirement that the dog be spayed or neutered; and purchase of liability insurance with a policy amount of at least $100,000. Several other minor changes appear within associated dangerous dog laws.

Georgia

Ga. Code Ann., § 4-11-10.1

Ga. Code Ann., § 43-50-1 to 122

Pet sales:

Georgia added a new law that prohibits "swap meet" or roadside transfers of certain companion animals

§ 4-11-10.1. Unlawful transfer of certain domestic animals

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the transfer of any dog, cat, or domestic rabbit at any roadside, public right of way, parkway, median, public or commercial parking lot or sidewalk, park, recreation area, fair, transient or seasonal flea market, or a similar transient market or outdoor location, regardless of whether such activity is otherwise authorized by any person or entity.

Veterinary:

Ga. Code Ann., § 43-50-1 to 122 added telehealth

Hawaii

Dangerous dogs:

In late 2024, Hawaii enacted Part III, on Dangerous Dogs. Sections § 711-1140 - 1148 define a "dangerous dog" based on behavior—specifically, any dog that, without provocation, causes a bite injury to a person or animal, explicitly excluding the dog's breed from consideration. Once a dog is officially declared dangerous following a complaint or officer observation, owners must comply with strict requirements, including microchipping, confinement in a locked escape-proof kennel, and mandatory muzzling and leashing (max four feet) whenever the dog is off the owner's property. Violations leading to injury carry escalating criminal penalties, ranging from misdemeanors with fines up to $2,000 for bodily injury to a Class C felony with up to five years imprisonment and mandatory euthanasia if the attack results in serious bodily injury or death to a person. Owners may seek rescission of the dangerous dog declaration after three years of compliance and completion of a certified behavior modification program, though this statute does not preclude separate civil liability for damages. 

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

I.C. 15-21-5.5-1

I.C. 15-21-5.5-2

Dog breeding:

Two new sections were added to the Commercial Dog Breeder chapter related to inspections of commercial dog breeders and brokers. Effective July 1, 2025, the first law (15-21-5.5-1) grants the board authority to set inspection frequencies for commercial dog breeders, brokers, and retail pet stores. The second law (15-21-5.5-2) relates to unannounced inspections. The listed entities are subject to random unannounced inspections, though the board generally cannot inspect the same facility more than once per calendar year. An exception allows for additional inspections if a facility fails an inspection and further checks are necessary to ensure dog safety and well-being.

Iowa

I. C. A. § 216C.11

I. C. A. § 169.4

Police dogs:

The Iowa veterinary practice code added a section on the emergency transport of injured police service dogs. The law (I. C. A. § 169.4) allows certified emergency medical care providers in Iowa to voluntarily diagnose and treat severely injured police service dogs on duty, but only after all human medical needs at the scene are met. Providers who act reasonably and in good faith are shielded from civil liability, though severely injured police dogs cannot be transported in emergency medical vehicles.

Service animals:

A minor amendment was made to one of the state's service animal laws. In § 216C.11, the "elements" to prove the offense of intentional misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal or a service-animal-in-training were deleted. Specifically, the prosecution is no longer required to prove that the person was previously given a written or verbal warning regarding the fact that it is illegal to intentionally misrepresent an animal as a service animal or a service-animal-in-training or that the person knows that the animal in question is not a service animal or a service-animal-in-training.

Kansas

Kentucky

KRS § 321.181

KRS § 321.257

Veterinary:

New provisions were added to the veterinary practice laws in 2025. In § 321.181, a definition was added for “equine dentistry,” which means any diagnosis, treatment, or surgical procedure performed on the head or oral cavity of an equine animal. Additionally, new sections were added concerning "allied animal health professionals."

Louisiana

La. Stat. Ann. § 3:2481 

Spay and neuter:

A new section of laws (La. Stat. Ann. § 3:2481 - 2484) established the Louisiana Commemorative Pet Stamp Program. The primary purpose of the Louisiana Commemorative Stamp Program is to generate revenue to support the spay and neuter programs of the Louisiana Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council and its related projects. The council provides for the annual creation of commemorative pet stamps and prints.

Maine

Maryland

MD Code, Criminal Law, § 10-604.1

MD Code, Criminal Law, § 10-608.1

MD Code, Criminal Law, § 10-627

MD Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings, § 11-110

MD Code, Natural Resources, § 10-2A-06.2

Cruelty:

A new law (§ 10-627) was added to Maryland's animal cruelty laws that specifically makes each animal harmed under the laws an individual victim:

(a) For the purposes of this subtitle, each animal harmed in a violation of this subtitle is a separate offense and shall be deemed an individual victim for purposes of the sentencing guidelines stacking rule.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a conviction under this subtitle may not merge with a conviction for any other crime based on the act establishing the violation of this subtitle.

(c) A sentence imposed under this subtitle may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any crime based on the act establishing the violation of this subtitle.

Another new law creates a prohibition on keeping roosters "movement constrained." Effective October 1, 2025, § 10-608.1 prohibits, beginning January 1, 2027, keeping a rooster movement-constrained through the use of an enclosure or tether, with specific definitions and exemptions for entities like commercial poultry producers and 4-H members. A violation is a civil offense, resulting in a warning for a first offense, a civil penalty of up to $500 per rooster for a second offense, and up to $1,000 per rooster for a third or subsequent offense, enforced by law enforcement or local animal control.

Finally, new section § 10-604.1, effective April 22, 2025, makes it a misdemeanor to commit a violation that results in the death or necessary euthanasia (validated by two veterinarians) of a domestic animal or livestock, punishable by up to one year in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. The court may also order psychological counseling, restitution for animal care costs, and prohibit the defendant from owning or residing with animals.

Pet damages:

The Maryland law (§ 11-110) that allows owners to collect compensatory damages against those who person who tortiously causes an injury to or death of a pet had an amendment as to the amount of an award. Previously, the damages awarded could not exceed $10,000. In 2025, this was changed to not exceed $25,000.

Wildlife:

A new law was added to the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. Section 10-2A-06.2 establishes the Maryland Connectivity Coalition to foster collaboration among agencies and stakeholders in protecting threatened and endangered species from habitat fragmentation and reducing vehicle-wildlife collisions. The Coalition is tasked with developing criteria for prioritizing wildlife crossing projects, establishing performance metrics, and maintaining a public website, while the State Highway Administration retains final authority over project placement, funding, and design.

Massachusetts

M.G.L.A. 140 § 174H

M.G.L.A. 140 § 141C

M.G.L.A. 140 § 141D

Cat "de-clawing:"

This Massachusetts law (140 § 174H), effective April 8, 2025, prohibits declawing procedures on cats unless performed by a licensed veterinarian for a strictly defined therapeutic purpose, such as treating an infection, disease, or injury that jeopardizes the cat's health . Violations carry escalating fines from $1,000 for a first offense up to $2,500 for subsequent offenses, and records of any such procedures must be kept and reported to the state. Several other states (New York, California, Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Illinois) have enacted similar statewide bans on cat declawing, along with the District of Columbia

Dog Laws:

Two new sections were added to the state's dog laws. Section 140 § 141C, effective April 8, 2025, prohibits selling or transferring a dog or cat under 8 weeks of age, with each violation carrying a fine of up to $100 and constituting a separate offense, enforced by local animal control or police. Section 140 § 141D, also effective April 8, 2025, prohibits selling or transferring dogs or cats in public spaces such as roadsides, parks, flea markets, and commercial parking lots, with exceptions for shelters, rescues, and certain educational exhibitions. This is often called a "swap meet" ban. Violations result in escalating fines from $50 up to $300 per subsequent offense, with each animal constituting a separate offense, enforced by local animal control or police.

Michigan

Minnesota

M.S.A. § 35.68 (repealed)

M.S.A. § 256C.025

M.S.A. § 156.0721

Rabies:

The law on a statewide "rabies proclamation" (35.68) was repealed in 2025. The previous law required a community health board or the Board of Animal Health to issue a proclamation prohibiting dogs from being at large unless effectively muzzled when rabies is found to exist in a designated area. The proclamation was to be filed and published or posted, and became effective five days later, remaining in effect for up to six months as specified by the issuing board.

Service animals:

In the Minnesota law on full and equal access to housing for people with blindness or physical disabilities (§ 256C.025), a new subsection was added covering service dogs in-training:

Subd. 5. Service dog in training. (a) For purposes of this section, a “service dog in training” means a dog that is being actively trained as a service dog under the supervision of an organization accredited by Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation to train service dogs.

(b) A person who is actively training a service dog in training is entitled to full and equal access to all housing accommodations provided for in this section. A person who is actively training a service dog in training must not be required to pay extra compensation for the service dog in training but is liable for any damage done to the premises by the service dog in training.

(c) A landlord or board of a homeowners association may require written certification from the organization supervising the training as a condition of granting an accommodation to a person training a service dog in training. An accommodation granted under this subdivision terminates upon completion of the training.

Veterinary laws:

A new section was added to Minnesota's veterinary practice laws. Section 156.0721 establishes an institutional veterinary license for University of Minnesota employees, such as faculty, interns, or residents, who graduated from a non-accredited veterinary college and are ineligible for a regular license, requiring them to pass the state veterinary jurisprudence exam and meet other qualifications. The license restricts practice to university employment, mandates that compensation come only from institutional or public funds rather than client-owners, and is canceled upon termination of university employment.

Mississippi

Meat laws:

In 2025, the "cultivated" meat laws went into effect. Chapter 35 on meat inspection added provisions related to substitute meat:

(u) “Cultivated-protein food product” means a food product having one or more sensory attributes that resemble a type of tissue originating from an agricultural food animal but that, in lieu of being derived from meat processing, is derived from manufacturing cells, in which one or more stem cells are initially isolated from an agricultural food animal, are grown in vitro, and may be manipulated, as part of a manufacturing operation.

(v) “Insect-protein food product” means a food product having one or more sensory attributes that resemble a type of tissue originating from an agricultural food animal but that, in lieu of being derived from meat processing, is derived from manufacturing insect parts.

(w) “Manufactured-protein food product” means a cultivated-protein food product, insect-protein food product or plant-protein food product.

(x) “Plant-protein food product” means a food product having one or more sensory attributes that resemble a type of tissue found in a species of agricultural food animal but that, in lieu of being derived from meat processing, is derived from manufacturing plant parts.

Miss. Code Ann. § 75-35-3

Missouri

Montana

MCA 27–1–715

MCA 45-8-227

MCA 37-18-2X1

Dangerous dog:

The term "service animal" was added to the law concerning liability of owner of vicious dog (section 27–1–715). The amendments now provide, "[t]he owner of a dog that without provocation bites a person or service animal while the person or service animal is on or in a public place or lawfully on or in a private place located within an incorporated city or town is liable for damages that may be suffered by the person or service animal bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of the viciousness."

Service animal:

A new law was added in Montan's service animal laws. Section 45-8-227 made harassment or harm of service animal illegal. A person commits the offense of harassment or harm of a service animal if the person:

(a) continues behavior that interferes with the use of a service animal by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the service animal or the service animal's handler after the person has received notice on the behavior;

(b) negligently causes the harm, disability, or death of a service animal; or

(c) is the owner of a dog or other animal and negligently allows the dog or other animal to interfere with the use of a service animal by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of or causing harm to a service animal or the service animal's handler.

A person convicted of this new crime is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined no more than $1,000.

Veterinary:

A new section was added to the veterinary practice laws:

37-18-2X1. Rehabilitation

(1) The board shall establish a medical assistance program to assist licensees who are found to be physically or mentally impaired by habitual intemperance or the excessive use of addictive drugs, alcohol, or any other drug or substance or by mental illness or chronic physical illness. The program must provide for assistance to licensees in seeking treatment for mental illness or substance abuse and monitor their efforts toward rehabilitation.

(2) The board shall ensure that a licensee who is required or volunteers to participate in the medical assistance program as a condition of continued licensure or reinstatement of licensure must be allowed to enroll in a qualified medical assistance program within this state and may not require a licensee to enroll in a qualified treatment program outside the state unless the board finds that there is no qualified treatment program in this state.

(3) For the purposes of funding this medical assistance program, the board shall adjust the renewal fee to be commensurate with the cost of the program.

Nebraska

Cruelty laws:

Section 28-1008, the definitional section for the anti-cruelty laws, was amended in 2025 to add a definition for "animal control officer:"

(3) Animal control officer means a person authorized by a city, village, or county to enforce any state or local animal control law, rule, regulation, resolution, or ordinance concerning animal welfare;

Then, the phrase "animal control officer" was added to subsequent sections related to seizure of animals who are suspected victims of animal cruelty. Now, in Neb. Rev. St. § 28-1012, an animal control officer may seek a warrant authorizing entry provided they are "accompanied by a law enforcement officer." In addition, an animal control officer was added to the legal immunity portion of the law (subsection 4) for non-negligent property damage. Sections 28–1012.01 and 28–1019 also added "animal control officer" to some of their provisions.

Police dog transport:

A new law was added regarding the emergency transfer of public service dogs. Section § 38–1201

Section 1. Section 38–1201, Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2022, is amended to read:
<< NE ST § 38–1201 >>
38–1201.
Sections 38–1201 to 38–1237 and section 2 of this act shall be known and may be cited as the Emergency Medical Services Practice Act.
<< NE ST § >>
Sec. 2. (1) For purposes of this section, law enforcement canine means any canine that is owned or employed in the service of any state or local law enforcement agency, the Department of Correctional Services, any local fire department, or the State Fire Marshal for the purpose of aiding in the detection of criminal activity, flammable materials, or missing persons; the enforcement of laws; the investigation of fires; or the apprehension of criminal offenders. 

Nevada

New Hampshire

changes to penalties for dog laws

466:31-a Penalties.

NH

changes to penalty amounts N.H. Rev. Stat. § 466:31-a

New Jersey

Endangered species:

A new law was added to the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act. Section 23:2A-7.1, the "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan," requires the Departments of Environmental Protection and Transportation to jointly develop a "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan" within 36 months to identify wildlife corridors, vehicle-collision hotspots, and criteria for crossing projects that promote driver safety and wildlife connectivity. Within another 36 months after the plan is submitted, the Department of Transportation must review the plan and recommend feasible crossing projects for incorporation into transportation projects that have not yet surpassed the concept development phase. The plan must be updated at least every ten years and will coordinate actions among state and federal agencies, authorities, and conservation groups.

New Mexico

Dog laws:

New law: § 77-1-21. Animal welfare program

A. The “animal welfare program” is created to provide funding for projects that support the welfare of domestic cats and dogs as provided in this section. Beginning July 1, 2025, the department may award a grant to a municipality or county or an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo, or contract for services with an eligible entity, for a project to repair, renovate or operate an animal shelter, provided that a grant to repair or renovate shall only be for publicly owned facilities, and to purchase equipment and supplies or provide services for:

New York

Pet sales:

In the New York law that prohibits the sale of dogs or cats via a secured financing agreement where the pet can be repossessed in the case of non-payment (§ 753–e), a new provision was added in 2025. Under this amendment, the provisions of this section shall also apply to the sale of a dog or cat through an online website.

North Carolina

NDCC § 131E–155.2

Police dog:

A new law (§ 131E–155.2) allows emergency medical treatment for K-9 units or "police dogs," as well as search and rescue dogs:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, emergency medical services personnel shall not be prosecuted for providing emergency medical transport or emergency medical services to an injured K–9 police unit animal or an injured search and rescue dog if the emergency medical services personnel acted in good faith when providing emergency medical transport or emergency medical services to an injured K–9 police unit animal or an injured search and rescue dog at the scene of an emergency. The immunity established by this section does not extend to gross negligence, wanton conduct, or intentional wrongdoing that would otherwise be actionable. For purposes of this section, a search and rescue dog is defined as a dog certified by any national certification organization that is deployed by or contracted to work with a federal, State, or local agency or department, and individuals solely credentialed as emergency medical dispatchers shall not be considered emergency medical services personnel.

North Dakota

Veterinary:

North Dakota's veterinary practice laws underwent significant changes in 2025. Among those changes include many new definitions related to veterinary telemedicine (43-29-01.1), how a veterinarian-client relationship is established (§ 43-29-12.2), a law on the unlawful practice of veterinary technology (§ 43-29-17.1), and a law on veterinary telemedicine, including teleadvice and teletriage (§ 43-29-20). Finally, Section 43-29-16.1, the law on abandonment of animals by a client, added a new subsection:

4. Any animal remains that are left in the possession of a veterinarian and have not been claimed by the client for a period of more than ten days after a written notice, by registered or certified letter, return receipt requested, is mailed to the client at the last-known address, may be disposed of by the veterinarian as deemed proper.

Ohio

R.C. § 4741.04

R.C. § 4741.041

Veterinary:

Section § 4741.04 concerning the veterinary-client-patient relationship was amended to include "telehealth" in 2025 ("[e]xamining the patient in real time via telehealth services in accordance with section 4741.041 of the Revised Code"). Section § 4741.041 is a new law that provides the practice requirements for veterinary telehealth. This law establishes rules for veterinarians practicing via telehealth, requiring informed consent, record-keeping, and disclosure of limitations before conducting evaluations. For livestock raised for human consumption, a prior in-person veterinary-client-patient relationship is generally required before telehealth services (excluding tele-advice), and prescriptions via telehealth are limited to an initial 14-day supply with one refill before an in-person visit is required, while controlled substances cannot be prescribed without an in-person physical exam.

Oklahoma

4 Okl. St. Ann. § 801

21 Okl. St. Ann. § 717

Dangerous dog:

The law concerning a "mischievous animal" who kills a person had a penalty clarification since its original enactment in 1910. As of January 2026, the penalty portion of the law added that violation is "manslaughter in the second degree, a Class B5 felony." 21 Okl. St. Ann. § 717.

Service animals:

The law on use of a service animal in places of public accommodation added two new subsections in 2025 related to fraudulent presentation of a pet as a service animal:

E. Any person who is not an individual with a disability or is not trained to assist individuals with disabilities, who uses a service animal in an attempt to gain treatment or benefits as an individual with a disability shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor.

F. No person shall knowingly present any animal or therapy animal as a service animal or intentionally misrepresent entitlement to an animal in his or her possession as a qualified service animal for the purpose of obtaining any of the rights or privileges set forth in state or federal law for an individual with a disability. Any person who violates this subsection shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor.

4 Okl. St. Ann. § 801

Oregon

Dog laws:

In the definitional section for the laws on dogs chasing livestock (§ 609.125), new definitions were added in 2025:

(4) “Domestic animal” means an animal, other than livestock or equines, that is owned or possessed by a person.

* * *

(6) “Livestock” means ratites, horses, hinnies, mules, donkeys, cattle, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, swine, domesticated fowl and any fur-bearing animal bred and maintained commercially or otherwise, within pens, cages or hutches.

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

 No major statutory changes

Tennessee

T. C. A. § 39-14-202

T. C. A. § 39–14–207

T. C. A. § 39–14–210

T. C. A. § 39–14–212

Cruelty:

Tennessee amended several sections of its animal cruelty chapter. In § 39-14-202, abandonment of animal was added as a cruelty offense:

(a) A person commits an offense who intentionally or knowingly:

* * *

(3) Abandons unreasonably an animal in the person's custody;

Another amendment later in 2025, added subsection (f), which states:

The court shall order a person convicted of a violation of this section to undergo a mental health evaluation, pursuant to Section 1, prior to the defendant's sentencing hearing.

Section § 39–14–207 on impounding animals suspected as being the victims of animal cruelty added this subsection:

(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), an official, employee, or agent of the department of agriculture or any other state or local department or agency shall not enter private property without probable cause to believe that a criminal offense has occurred or is occurring. This subdivision (a)(2) does not limit the ability to enter private property pursuant to the consent of the property owner, a warrant, or a recognized warrant exception.

In § 39–14–210 on the role of humane societies in assisting in animal cruelty investigations, the following subsection was added:

(h) Prior to making an arrest pursuant to subsection (a) or interfering pursuant to subsection (b), an officer, agent, or member of a society which is incorporated for the prevention of cruelty to animals must notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency of the person's intent to make an arrest or interfere to prevent an act of cruelty and the circumstances justifying the action.

Finally, in the law on aggravated cruelty (§ 39–14–212), a subsection was added regarding the necessity of a psychological evaluation for convicted offenders:

(f) The court shall order a person convicted of a violation of this section to undergo a mental health evaluation, pursuant to Section 1, prior to the defendant's sentencing hearing.

Texas

Cruelty:

In the law on cruelty to non-livestock animals (§ 42.092), the phrase "or with criminal negligence" was added to the intentional cruelty provision in subsection b. In addition, the changes from HB 285 also added this new subsection to the same law:

(d–1) It is a defense to prosecution for alleged criminal negligence that the conduct occurred during the actual discharge of the actor's duties while employed as a veterinarian licensed under Chapter 801, Occupations Code, or as a person assisting the veterinarian.

Utah

Dog bite:

Utah's dog bite law received a slight amendment with respect to trespassers. Amendments from 2025 added the following language:

(3) An individual who owns or keeps a dog is not liable for an injury or death caused by the dog if:

* * *

(b)(i) the injury or death is to a trespasser who is in violation of Subsection 76–6–206(2); and

(ii) the injury or death occurs:

(A) on the individual's private property; and

(B) while the dog is reasonably secured within a fence or other enclosure.

[Note also that the entire section of animal cruelty laws were renumbered and recodified.]

Vermont

Virginia

Va. Code Ann. § 3.2–6501.1

Va. Code Ann. § 3.2–6593.2

Va. Code Ann. § 3.2-6593.3

Va. Code Ann. § 3.2-5901.2

Cruelty:

In the law concerning the conditions, care, and keeping of dogs and cats by pet shops (§ 3.2–6501.1), new provisions were added to subsection F:

Such remedies shall also include a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 per violation for each finding in a given inspection upon communication to the pet shop. Each day of the violation is a separate offense; however, the cumulative civil penalty shall not exceed $5,000. In determining the amount of any civil penalty, the Board or its designee shall consider (i) the history of previous violations at the pet shop; (ii) whether the violation has caused injury to, or death or suffering of, an animal; and (iii) the demonstrated good faith of the pet shop to achieve compliance after notification of the violation. All civil penalties assessed under this section shall be recovered in a civil action brought by the Attorney General in the name of the Commonwealth. Such civil penalties shall be paid into a special fund in the state treasury to the credit of the Department to be used in carrying out the purposes of this chapter.

Research animals/animal testing:

In § 3.2–6593.2, changes were made with respect to inspection reports for animal testing facilities. The old and new versions are listed below:

Prior version:

C. Any animal testing facility shall, within 30 days of receiving an inspection report, make such inspection report publicly available along with any other relevant U.S. Department of Agriculture incident reports and relevant documents generated from internal reviews by either (i) displaying a link to access such information on the homepage or landing page of the animal testing facility's website or (ii) if such animal testing facility does not have a website, issuing a press release or other similar publication.

New version:

C. Any animal testing facility shall (i) within 30 days of receiving a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report, make such inspection report publicly available along with any other relevant U.S. Department of Agriculture final incident reports, and relevant documents generated during or as a result of internal or external reviews and (ii) within 30 days of receiving any U.S. Department of Agriculture official warning, notice of alleged violation, settlement agreement or stipulation, administrative complaint, decision or order, or any other enforcement record, make such documents publicly available. Any animal testing facility required to make documents publicly available pursuant to this subsection shall do so by either (a) displaying a link to access such documents on the homepage or landing page of the animal testing facility's website or (b) if such animal testing facility does not have a website, issuing a press release or other similar publication. An animal testing facility may redact information contained within such documents in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

Finally, a new law was added to that same chapter concerning sending nonhuman primates who are no longer needed to certified sanctuaries:

§ 3.2-6593.3. Animal testing facilities operated by a state agency; nonhuman primates

A. For the purposes of this section:

“Certified sanctuary” means any facility that provides temporary or permanent safe haven to nonhuman primates that is fully accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

“Nonhuman primate” means all nonhuman members of the order Primates.

B. Any animal testing facility operated by a state agency that no longer has need for a nonhuman primate in its possession shall, in consultation with such animal testing facility's attending veterinarian, consider options for and determine the appropriate care and treatment of such nonhuman primate, which shall include offering for release such nonhuman primate to a certified sanctuary. Such animal testing facility may enter into an agreement with such certified sanctuary for the implementation of the provisions of this section.

Veterinary:

A new law § 3.2-5901.2 was added in 2025 to address the need for more large animal veterinarians. The law directs the State Veterinarian to establish a grant program to increase or stabilize the number of large animal veterinarians practicing in shortage areas, selecting up to four participants annually. The State Veterinarian, in consultation with relevant boards and stakeholders, will develop selection criteria based on geographic need, number of localities served, specialties practiced, and time devoted to large animal services.

Washington

West's RCWA 16.52.011

Cruelty:

The definitional section of Washington's anti-cruelty laws was amended. Section 16.52.011 revised the definition for "necessary food" and "necessary water," and added new definitions for "necessary medical attention," "necessary sanitation," and "necessary space."

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Cruelty:

In Section 951.18 related to penalties for animal cruelty violations, the following subsection 2m was added in 2025:

(2m) Any person who violates s. 951.095 is subject to a Class B forfeiture.  Any person who intentionally or negligently violates s. 951.095, knowing that the animal that is the victim is used by a law enforcement agency or fire department to perform agency or department functions or duties, is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.  Any person who intentionally violates s. 951.095, knowing that the animal that is the victim is used by a law enforcement agency or fire department to perform agency or department functions or duties and causing injury to the animal, is guilty of a Class I H felony.  Any person who intentionally violates s. 951.095, knowing that the animal that is the victim is used by a law enforcement agency or fire department to perform agency or department functions or duties and causing death to the animal, is guilty of a Class H G felony.

Wyoming

W.S.1977 § 6-3-1001

W.S.1977 § 6-3-1004

W.S.1977 § 6-3-1005

Cruelty:

In § 6–3–1001, which provides the definitions for the anti-cruelty laws, new definitions were added:

(iv) “Predacious bird” means as defined in W.S. 23–1–101(a)(vii);

(v) “Predatory animal” means as defined in W.S. 23–1–101(a)(viii);

(vi) “Wildlife” means as defined in W.S. 23–1–101(a)(xiii). “Wildlife” shall not include amphibians, crustaceans, fish, mollusks and reptiles.

In addition, under the penalty portion of the chapter (§ 6–3–1004), a new subsection was added that provides:

(c) A first offense of cruelty to animals under W.S. 6–3–1005(a)(iii) and 23–3–103(d) is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), or both. The person shall also be subject to revocation and suspension of licenses and privileges as provided in W.S. 6–3–1005(c) and 23–3–103(d).

Finally, new subsections were added to the felony animal cruelty law (§ 6–3–1005):

(iii) Knowingly, and with intent to cause undue suffering, tortures, torments or mutilates living wildlife, including predatory animals and predacious birds, after reducing the living wildlife to possession. For purposes of this paragraph:

(A) The immediate killing of living wildlife reduced to possession shall not be a violation of this paragraph;

(B) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require an owner of a trap or snare to check the trap or snare before the time required in title 23 of the Wyoming statutes and rules promulgated by the game and fish commission. Wildlife discovered in a snare or trap shall be considered within the possession of the owner of the snare or trap upon discovery by the owner;

(C) A first offense of cruelty to animals under this paragraph and W.S. 23–3–103(d) is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in W.S. 6–3–1004(c). A second or subsequent offense under this paragraph or W.S. 23–3–103(d) is punishable as provided by subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

(c) Upon a conviction of a first or subsequent violation of paragraph (a)(iii) of this section and W.S. 23–3–103(d) and in addition to any penalty specified in subsection (b) of this section, the court may revoke any license issued under title 23 of the Wyoming statutes and suspend a person's privilege to purchase or receive any other license as specified in title 23 of the Wyoming statutes or to take any wildlife under W.S. 23–6–206(a)(iii).