Linh Ta

lta@dmreg.com

When it comes to laws that protect our furry friends, Iowa is almost dead last nationwide, according to a non-profit animal rights group.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund went over 4,000 pages of statutes to rank states based off of 15 categories of animal protection. Categories include animal fighting, offender registry and "ag gag" laws, which refers to the undercover filming of farm activity.

Out of 50 states, Iowa ranked 49th, while Kentucky comes in at the bottom, according to the report.

Illinois was ranked number one because of its expansive list of animal-protection laws, according to the report. Some laws in Illinois include federal penalties for neglect, abandonment and sexual assault; increased penalties for cruelty committed in front of minors and mandatory reporting of animal cruelty by veterinarians.

Meanwhile, Iowa ranks nearly last because of its "ag gag" law, inadequate definitions for basic care for animals and the lack of broad law enforcement authority for humane officers.

Iowa's ag-gag law passed through the legislature in 2012 The law makes it illegal to obtain access to an agricultural production facility by false pretenses, or to make a false statement in connection with a job application at such a facility. It is considered a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in jail.

The report also notes an increase in states giving civil immunity to people who rescue animals from emergency situations. Florida, Ohio and Wisconsin passed provisions that would allow civilians to break open a car to rescue animals after they've taken certain steps, such as calling the police.

Last year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund also ranked Iowa second-to-last for its animal-protection laws.