Bipartisan support drives groundbreaking year for animal welfare with bans on animals in circuses, stronger cruelty laws and emergency pet sheltering

(OLYMPIA, Wash.) (July 31, 2025)—Voters in Washington state now have a new resource to understand how their elected officials stand on animal welfare issues. The first-ever Washington Humane Scorecard from the nation’s leading animal advocacy organization, Humane World Action Fund (formerly called Humane Society Legislative Fund), grades state lawmakers on their actions to advance animal protection during the most recent legislative session.

The 2025 Washington Humane Scorecard highlights bipartisan support during a groundbreaking year for animal protection. Bills were signed into law to ban wild animals from cruel traveling acts, provide emergency shelter for pets during extreme weather, allow the rescue of animals from locked vehicles, and strengthen animal abuse laws with tougher penalties and better tools for law enforcement.

“Washington continues to build on its foundation of animal welfare protections, with this year's legislative session marking another leap forward,” said Stephanie Hillman, Washington state director for Humane World Action Fund. “From ending the exploitation of wild animals in circuses to expanding protections against cruelty and neglect, these victories were due to the leadership and commitment of our lawmakers. The strong bipartisan support behind these reforms shows a growing recognition that how we treat animals reflects our values and the kind of state we want to be.”

Most Washington senators—34 in total—scored 75% or higher on the scorecard, with 30 senators receiving a perfect score of 100%. Additionally, a majority of the Washington House of Delegates—59 members—received a perfect score. In terms of vote tallies, the legislature's vote to modernize Washington’s approach to preventing animal cruelty (HB 1149) elicited notable bipartisan support, receiving opposing votes from just two senators and 10 representatives.

About the scorecard

The 2025 Washington Humane Scorecard features the following bills, each of which passed the Washington State Legislature and signed into law. Humane World Action Fund only scores bills that receive roll-call votes to accurately reflect legislators’ actions. When reading the scorecard, a ✓ indicates a pro-animal action.

  • Traveling Acts (SB 5065): This bill ends the cruelty of chaining, confinement and coercion by banning performances where elephants, bears, nonhuman primates, nondomestic big cats and their hybrids are transported to entertain live audiences. Washington has become the 12th state in the nation to usher in a modern, humane future for the traveling entertainment industry. Sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-21).
  • Preventing Cruelty (HB 1149): This bill strengthens the state's animal protection laws by expanding definitions of animal cruelty and fighting, increasing penalties, and imposing lifetime ownership bans on certain offenders. It enhances enforcement tools for law enforcement and animal control, clarifies procedures for seizing and caring for animals, and reduces wait times for officers to intervene in neglect cases. It modernizes Washington's approach to preventing animal cruelty and provides a model for other states to follow. Sponsored by Rep. David Hackney (D-11).
  • Hot Cars (HB 1046): This bill allows and supports good Samaritans who break into locked vehicles to rescue people or pets in danger, enabling quick, life-saving action without fear of legal consequences. Sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-28).
  • Shelter in Emergencies (HB 1201): This act ensures that emergency shelters are equipped to welcome companion animals during disasters, helping pets and their owners remain together when evacuating. The law requires local governments to include cosheltering provisions in emergency plans, identify at least one pet-friendly shelter, and share clear information online about pet accommodations and evacuation resources. HB 1201 recognizes the need to protect both people and animals, the emotional bonds between them, and the importance that localities take precautions in advance of emergencies and extreme weather events. Sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-28).

As the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal protection, Humane World Action Fund publishes state legislative and congressional scorecards to track the relevant votes, co-sponsorships and other actions of lawmakers. These scorecards highlight which lawmakers are leading on animal protection, and which ones need greater pressure to act. Explore all our scorecards online at humaneaction.org/humane-scorecard.

Media Contact: Liz Bartolomeo: ebartolomeo@humaneaction.org, 240-472-0475