Advocacy Center

The ASPCA works with local, state and federal legislators to help enact meaningful protections for animals. We also offer advocacy training and support for citizens who wish to engage in grassroots lobbying. Stay informed and get involved—politics is not a spectator sport!

dog
CT: Make History in Fight Against Puppy Mills

Help Connecticut enact the nation's first state law banning the sale of commercially bred dogs in pet shops! Act Now »
Horse
USA: Support a Federal Ban on Horse Slaughter

The SAFE Act will prohibit the slaughter of horses for human consumption in the U.S. and ban their export for that purpose. Act Now »
cat
AL: Keep Spay/Neuter Clinics Open!

Help pass a bill that will ensure nonprofit clinics can continue to function and fight pet overpopulation. Act Now »

Animals Need Advocates

We’re making a roar that lawmakers can’t ignore.

With more than 2 million members, the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade is a powerful force for change. Register for our free email alerts and use your voice to support animal-friendly legislation.

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Action Needed Now

USA: Protect Horses from Soring
USA: Tell Congress to Ban Horse Slaughter Once and for All!
USA: Crack Down on Spectators at Animal Fights
USA: Tell the USDA to Protect Puppies!
USA: Urge U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to Deny Horse Slaughter Plant Applications
AL: Keep Non-Profit Spay/Neuter Clinics Open!
CO: Support Canine Behavior Training for Law Enforcement
CT: Protect Dogs from Cruel Puppy Mills and Tethering
FL: Stop Dog Fighting and Other Cruelty!
IA: Free the Greyhounds! It's Time to End Dog Racing
ID: Make Animal Torture a Felony!
IL: Make Our State Safer for Animals and Communities!
IL: Urge Lawmakers to Enact the Puppy Lemon Law
IN Session Wrap-Up: Wins, Losses, and Prepping for 2014
LA: Ban Dogs Riding in Beds of Pickup Trucks
MD: 2013 Was Good, and 2014 Can Be Better!
ME: Stop Cruel Bear Trapping!
ME: Urge Your State Rep to Pass Horse Slaughter Ban!
MI: Please Join the Fight to Save Our Swans!
MI: Stop the Assault on Wildlife
MI: Urge Governor to Veto Bear-Handling Bill!
MN: Help Pass Your State's First Puppy and Kitten Mill Law!
MO: It's Your Right to Protect Animals—Don't Allow It to Be Stripped Away
MT: Dogs and Wildlife Need Your Help!
NC: Help Pass Much-Needed Puppy Mill Law!
NC: Urge Legislature to Oppose Whistleblower-Suppression Bill!
ND: Fight for the Felony Cruelty Bill We Were Promised!
NJ Animal Advocates—Join Our Team!
NJ: Urge Your Assemblymember to Ban Cruel Confinement of Pigs
NV: Ban Cruel "Horse Tripping" at Rodeos!
NV: Put a Stop to Live Animal Sales at Swap Meets
NY: Crack Down on Puppy Mills!
NYC: Urge City Council to Put Carriage Horse Industry Out to Pasture
OH: Strengthen Penalties for Animal Cruelty!
OK: Keep Horse Slaughter OUT of Your State!
TN: Thank Governor for Vetoing Ag-Gag Bill!
TX: Ban Use of Gas Chambers in Shelters!
TX: Let’s Make 2013 a Great Year for Animals in the Lone Star State!
VA: Stop Cruel Fox Penning Competitions!
VT: Crack Down on Irresponsible Pet Breeding!
WV: Urge Governor to Sign Puppy Mill Bill!



Resources for Animal Advocates

Your Stories

Legislative Process FAQ

Haven't taken Civics in a while? No problem—here's a quick brush-up on common U.S. legislative processes.
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Floods

Your State's Animal Laws

We've made it easy to look up your state's animal-related laws and their penalties.
Learn More »



Find Your Legislators

Find Your Legislators

Quickly look up who represents you, both on the state-government level and in Congress.
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Current Events

Puppy

Congress Protects Military Dogs

Thanks to a last-minute federal victory, retired military dogs will have an easier time being adopted into loving homes. Learn More »



dog

Michigan Gets Tough on Dog Fighting

Three cheers for Michigan for enacting three strong anti-fighting laws in the final days of 2012. Learn More »


Puppy

Ohio's First Puppy Mill Law!

All commercial dog-breeding facilities in Ohio will soon be licensed and inspected by the state. Learn More »




Get Active for Animals

Lobbying 101

Lobbying 101

Check out our multi-part primer on lobbying for animals at any level of government.
Table of Contents »



Your Stories

I Lobby for Animals: Your Stories

Get inspired by other "political animals" who have made real differences for the animals in their communities.
Read More »


Ask the Lobbyists

Ask the Lobbyists

Our legal eagles tackle your questions about the legislative process.
Q&A »


Events in your Area