25 Animal Welfare Laws to Know Going Into 2025
As we approach 2025, animal welfare laws continue to play a vital role in shaping the way animals are treated globally.
These laws address issues ranging from cruelty and neglect to the ethical treatment of animals in industries like farming, entertainment, and research. This article explores 25 important animal welfare laws, ongoing reforms, and the challenges ahead to ensure the continued protection of animals.
1. Animal Cruelty Laws in the U.S.
While the PACT Act (Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act) passed in 2019 made severe cruelty a federal felony, U.S. animal cruelty laws are still under review in several states, with some calling for stricter penalties.
As 2025 approaches, efforts are growing to make animal cruelty a federal priority in all states, with additional push to include more species under protections. Advocacy is also ramping up to create national standards for the care of farm animals and exotic pets. Stay updated on related changes through the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
2. The Big Cat Public Safety Act (Ongoing Implementation)
The Big Cat Public Safety Act, passed in 2022, restricts private ownership of big cats and aims to reduce dangerous public interactions with these animals. While the law is in place, its full implementation is still in progress, with some states still working on enforcing the ban on private ownership.
Expect further developments on its application in 2025, including possible penalties for non-compliance.
3. The Ending Factory Farming Act (U.S.)
The Ending Factory Farming Act seeks to address the inhumane practices in factory farming, including the confinement of animals in small cages and the lack of adequate veterinary care. Currently being discussed in Congress, this bill would overhaul the U.S. agricultural industry, mandating more space for animals, improved living conditions, and cleaner, more humane slaughtering practices.
As public outcry against factory farming increases, this bill is expected to gain more traction heading into 2025. Learn more from Food and Water Watch.
4. The EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy
The Farm to Fork Strategy is a key component of the European Green Deal, aiming to make food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally-friendly. This includes measures to reduce the use of pesticides and antibiotics, ensure better animal welfare standards, and transition to more sustainable farming practices.
As 2025 nears, the EU is expected to strengthen legislation around animal welfare, including expanding regulations on farm animals and increasing consumer awareness. For more on this strategy, visit EU Commission’s Farm to Fork page.
5. U.S. State-Level Legislation on Puppy Mills
Despite the Puppy Mill Elimination Act addressing issues at a national level, many states still have loopholes that allow puppy mills to operate with minimal oversight. As 2025 approaches, several states are considering or updating laws to ban the sale of puppies from puppy mills altogether and to increase transparency in pet breeding.
Laws targeting puppy mills are expected to continue evolving as pet adoption advocates push for more stringent standards across the nation.
6. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Proposed Reforms
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has been a cornerstone of wildlife conservation for decades. However, recent political discussions have raised questions about potential reforms to the ESA, particularly in relation to how species are listed and delisted, and how critical habitats are protected.
Some lawmakers have proposed reforms to streamline the process, while others argue for stricter protections. Expect to see debates around this act intensify as new species face the threat of extinction and habitat loss.
7. Global Ban on Animal Testing for Cosmetics
Countries like the European Union and India have already banned animal testing for cosmetics, but in the U.S., animal testing for beauty products is still legal under certain conditions. As we approach 2025, there is growing pressure to pass a Humane Cosmetics Act to ban animal testing nationwide.
Several states have already made progress, but a federal law remains in the works. Consumer demand for cruelty-free products has surged, pushing this issue to the forefront.
8. Shark Conservation and Finning Bans
As shark populations continue to decline, especially due to finning practices, several U.S. states are considering strengthening their laws around shark conservation in 2025.
Shark finning bans have been implemented in many parts of the world, but illegal finning continues to threaten marine ecosystems. In response, lawmakers are expected to propose further restrictions on shark fin trade and expand conservation efforts to include other endangered marine species.
9. The Cat Declawing Ban Movement
While some U.S. states, including California and New York, have already passed laws banning cat declawing, other states are lagging behind. As the movement to ban this painful procedure gains momentum, more states are likely to introduce legislation to prevent it.
Declawing is viewed as an inhumane practice that causes long-term physical and behavioral issues in cats, and animal welfare advocates are pushing for a nationwide ban.
10. The Global Pet Trade and Animal Importation Laws
As the pet trade continues to grow, concerns over the spread of diseases and unethical breeding practices are prompting a reevaluation of animal importation laws. Countries are starting to tighten regulations around the import of exotic pets, and stricter health protocols are being proposed.
In the U.S., discussions about improving regulations around pet imports, especially from countries with weaker animal welfare standards, will be crucial going into 2025. The CDC provides updates on importation regulations here.
11. Animal-Based Food Products and Labeling Laws
As the demand for plant-based and lab-grown meats increases, new laws are emerging to regulate labeling for animal-based food products. These laws aim to ensure transparency for consumers while addressing the ethical concerns surrounding factory farming.
By 2025, more countries may require clearer labeling on food products to inform consumers about how animals were treated in production, including whether they were raised in cruelty-free environments. Follow updates at the FDA’s Food Labeling page.
12. Wild Animal Conservation Laws in Africa
In Africa, several countries are introducing new wildlife conservation laws aimed at curbing poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat destruction. With key species like elephants, rhinos, and gorillas facing severe threats, governments are expected to tighten enforcement and invest in wildlife protection programs.
In 2025, we may see stronger collaboration between African nations and international conservation organizations to protect endangered species. Find more at World Wildlife Fund.
13. Legal Protection for Pet Owners in Domestic Violence Cases
The issue of pet protection laws in domestic violence cases is becoming increasingly relevant. In many states, pets are still not legally recognized as victims in domestic abuse situations, leaving them vulnerable.
However, new bills are being proposed to allow pets to be part of protection orders, enabling them to be removed from potentially abusive environments. This legislative shift will likely grow in importance as we move into 2025.
14. Reforms to the U.S. Animal Welfare Act (AWA)
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) remains one of the U.S.'s most critical animal protection laws, but it still has major gaps, particularly in protecting animals used for research. In 2025, legislators are expected to push for AWA reforms that will expand its protections to include more species and enhance oversight on animal testing. With the rise of alternative testing methods, AWA reform could pave the way for less reliance on animal experiments.
As we head into 2025, animal welfare laws are in a period of significant change and expansion. While progress is being made, there is still much work to be done to ensure that animals—whether they are pets, farm animals, or wildlife—are protected from cruelty and exploitation. Advocacy for stronger protections and more transparent regulations will continue to be at the forefront of the global push for animal welfare.
This version focuses on ongoing legislative changes and laws still under review or evolving, with relevant links to help readers stay informed as these issues develop
