Michigan ranks as one of the top states in the nation when it comes to its laws against animal cruelty. The Animal Legal Defense Fund examined the animal cruelty statutes in every state and territory. The group looked at how comprehensive the laws are and how severe penalties are for people convicted of cruelty. Illinois was ranked first, with Maine, California, Michigan and Oregon rounding out the top five. Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi and North Dakota were named the five worst.