Despite Idaho passing a felony animal cruelty law last year -- the first of its kind in the state -- the Humane Society of the United States has ranked Idaho 50 out of 51 in animal protection. The reason: Weak laws, HSUS says. "Idaho ranks almost dead last in the Humane State Ranking with weak laws almost across the board," the group says on its website. Idaho does have some laws that other states don't, such as felony punishments for illegally hunting an endangered species and prohibitions on greyhound racing. But HSUS wants Idaho to tackle other areas it deems problematic, such as the state's lack of exotic animal law. South Dakota earned the lowest score/Melissa Davlin, Twin Falls Times News, Capitol Confidential. More here.

Question: Thank goodness for South Dakota?