WASHINGTON D.C. (KMOX) -  The Humane Society of the United States has released its third annual “Humane State Ranking”, which rates the 50 states and Washington D.C. on a wide range of animal protection laws.

“Unfortunately, Missouri came in forty-fifth,” said HSUS president and CEO Wayne Pacelle.

He notes Missouri is still often referred to as the nation’s “Puppy Mill Capital”, and has been slow to respond to the needs of animals.

“The legislature has not been very fair when it comes to animal welfare,” Pacelle said. “We shouldn’t have to have ballot measures on puppy mills and cockfighting. Those issues should have been dealt with years ago.”

Only Mississippi, South Carolina, Idaho and North and South Dakota rank lower than Missouri on this year’s “Humane State Ranking” list, the third one released by the Humane Society.

Topping the list was California, which protects animals from being sold along the roadside, from steel-jawed leghold traps, and the sale of shark fins.

Illinois ranks fourth highest on this year’s list.

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