Mississippi ranks as the fifth worst state for animal protection, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s (ALDF) most recent January 2024 ranking.
The ALDF, a leading legal advocacy organization for animals in the United States, releases an annual ranking of states and territories based on the strength of their animal protection laws. Mississippi was ranked 46th out of 50 states, with ALDF highlighting key issues such as the state's Ag-Gag law, lack of regulations on puppy mills, and the use of animals in circuses or traveling shows.
“Honestly, I am not surprised. I would have thought we would be at number one! People here are too worried about things that don’t really matter rather than caring for little innocent animals,” said Kayla Richardson, a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, referencing a recent incident at her apartment complex where stray cats were being mistreated. “The animals need our help, and we should at least try to do our part when we can.”
Mississippi’s Ag-Gag laws, enacted in 2011, criminalize the recording and documentation of activities at agricultural facilities, preventing citizens from reporting potential animal cruelty in such settings. These laws were introduced after undercover investigations exposed cases of animal abuse in agricultural operations. The ALDF encourages citizens to voice their opposition through petitions.
Puppy mills are another concern in Mississippi, where regulations are minimal. These commercial breeding facilities focus on producing large quantities of dogs, often in poor conditions. The American Veterinary Medical Association describes puppy mills as prioritizing “quantity over quality” and notes that animals in these facilities often suffer from lack of human contact, poor living conditions, and inadequate veterinary care. The ALDF is advocating to ban retail pet sales and boycott puppy mills.
“I had no idea that we have animal factories,” said Dixie Lee, a pet owner of two cats and a dog. “But what I’m most shocked about is the number of laws that encourage animal abuse!”
The state also permits the use of animals in circuses and traveling shows, a practice that has been widely criticized for its history of animal abuse. Currently, only California, Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New Jersey have banned the use of animals in these performances. The ALDF continues to advocate for stronger protections and guides animal advocates on how to oppose these practices.
