The Humane Society of the United States has ranked Idaho 49^th out of the 52 (the 50 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico) for its animal cruelty and animal welfare laws, ahead of only Mississippi and Puerto Rico. The advocacy group noted that Idaho was the only state to pass an “ag-gag” bill last year; the measure makes it a crime to surreptitiously film or photograph agricultural operations, and is being challenged in court. It followed an animal-rights group’s release of graphic footage of cows being abused by workers at an Idaho dairy. Idaho also was faulted in part for its broad allowances for hunting and trapping; its lack of restrictions on puppy mills; its lack of restrictions on exotic pets; and its lack of specific protections for farm animals and pets/Betsy Russell, Eye on Boise. More here.

Question: Hey, 49th of 52 isn't as bad as 49th of 50, right? Silver linings, baybee. Silver linings. Thoughts?