Animal-Friendly Legislation Stories

A group of human hands wearing Best Friends logo temporary tattoos all together in a circle

Sailing through 2025: The Pelican State on no-kill

Louisiana continues to honor its legacy as the Pelican State by protecting its animals with a no-kill proclamation.
Have your representatives made a proclamation yet?
Julie Castle Blog
Person holding a brown and white puppy over their shoulder

Pets win big with laws that save lives

New legislation protects cats and dogs in Tennessee and Colorado.
Becoming a voice for the voiceless
Best Friends Magazine
Two people outside holding signs at the Capitol in Richmond, Virginia

Virginia is for (pet) lovers

The commonwealth marked a milestone with 80 animal shelters now no-kill.
Successful event at the Capitol in Richmond
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Small brown dog smiling with tongue out, outside on a leash held by a person

Progress for pets: Looking back at a year of advocacy

Best Friends and advocates nationwide are changing policies to create brighter futures for pets.
Some of the year's wins
Best Friends Magazine
Tabby kitten lying on a gray blanket with another cat in the background

Virginia’s no-kill commitment: A big win for pets in the commonwealth

Virginia Loves Shelter Animals Month encourages no-kill in 2025.
This isn’t just a declaration — it’s a rallying cry
Julie Castle Blog
Smiling person behind an aging black and white pit-bull-type dog who is smiling

Insuring dog lovers

New laws protect people in Illinois from being denied homeowners or renters insurance because of their dog’s breed.
Learn more
Best Friends Magazine
The governor of Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox, holding the written declaration as well as a kitten with Best Friends CEO Julie Castle behind him

Gov. Cox declares 2024 No-Kill Shelter Year in Utah

A commitment on a government level to reach no-kill by year’s end
Utah is so close to no-kill
Julie Castle Blog
Group of people holding signs to celebrate Best Friends Day of Action in Weslaco, Texas

New wave of animal advocates

The first National Action Week for Animals was a huge success.
Now they're making a difference
Best Friends Magazine
Person wearing blue scrubs and a stethoscope holding a tabby kitten

Expanding veterinary care in Arkansas

Veterinarian shortage spurs legislation to help more pets.
See how this legislation helps pets
Best Friends Magazine
Smiling person petting a happy black and white pit bull terrier whose tongue is out

Miami-Dade breed ban victory: And the wall came tumbling down!

A monumental change in Florida.
Read how the impossible became possible
Julie Castle Blog
Person wearing a dog T-shirt with arm around a smiling pit-bull-type dog

Historic victory for dogs in Florida

Passage of legislation moves the state one step closer to a day when no breed can be banned.
Learn how the legislation was overturned
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Captain Cowpants the dog lying in front of a Capitol building

How you can advocate for shelter animals in 2023

A few suggestions for your New Year’s resolutions
10 ways to make a difference
Julie Castle Blog
Large black and white pit bull type dog smiling and out on a leashed walk

10 advocacy wins for the animals

Good news for dogs and cats across the country.
See some 2022 highlights
Best Friends Magazine
Fluffy puppy between a person's legs with hands holding her

Stopping puppy mills

It involves not only passing humane laws, but thwarting the industry’s ever-expanding sales tactics.
Learn more
Best Friends Magazine
A person cradling a dog while another person checks out his feet at a Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering clinic

Streetwise help for people and their pets

Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering, formed in the midst of the pandemic, is blazing trails in Utah with new, innovative community sheltering services.
Keeping people and their pets together
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