ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The Animal Legal Defense Fund has released its yearly list of where states rank in animal protection laws and Illinois is at the top - first place for the 11th year in a row. Missouri is in the middle. Kentucky is last.
The rankings look at how tough the laws and statutes are in each state, for things like leaving animals in hot cars or breed-specific legislation.
Illinois was the cream of the crop again this year. Among the few negatives was that Illinois does not give immunity for citizens who rescue animals vehicles – meaning the person could be liable for a broken widow if they save a dog from a hot car. But it's positives include, animal fighting for all species is a felony and an increased penalty when abuse is committed in the presence of a minor.
Rounding out the top-five after Illinois, is Oregon, Maine, Colorado and Massachusetts. In the bottom-five is Kentucky, Mississippi (49), Iowa (48), Wyoming (47), and New Mexico.
Take a look at the full report, here.