In the News

2023 Highlights

• Murphy Signs Infamous Pig Crate Ban in New Jersey that Christie Rejected, Politico, July 26, 2023
• Why are custody battles over pets on the rise?, Scripps News, July 1, 2023
• Is it Legal to Break a Car Window to Rescue a Pet in Texas?, Houston NBC Affiliate, June 15, 2023
• What the Supreme Court’s Ruling on California’s Prop 12 Means for Animals Everywhere, VegNews, May 31, 2023
• In Panama, Legal Rights Given to Sea Turtles, Boosting the ‘Rights of Nature’ Movement, Associated Press, May 24, 2023
• See a Dog Locked in a Hot Car? Here’s What You Can Do, National Geographic, May 11, 2023
• ‘The Walking Dead’ actress meets dog rescued from Fulton County animal abuse case, Atlanta NBC Affiliate, April 6, 2023
• Kate Mara Is Covering the Adoption Fees of 10 Hero Dogs in Need of Homes, People, March 16, 2023
• See how this ‘cruelty-free’ circus replaced animals with holograms, The Washington Post, February 28, 2023
• This man’s love of his Maltese shih tzu could change America forever, The Independent, February 11, 2023
• Actress Kate Mara on Activism, Family, and Vegan Parenting, Veg News, January 26, 2023
• Animal-friendly laws are gaining traction across the U.S., National Geographic, January 18, 2023

2022 Highlights

• Why Is New Jersey Planning to Kill 20 Percent of Tagged Bears This Week?, Sierra Magazine, December 5, 2022
• Hormel meat labeling case shows U.S. rules need reform -advocates, Reuters, November 16, 2022
• N.Y.C. Carriage Horse Who Collapsed Near Central Park This Summer Is Euthanized, People, October 18, 2022

• 71% want NYC horse carriage ban after Ryder’s collapse: poll, New York Post, September 1, 2022
• USDA must now publicly report all animal welfare violations, National Geographic, August 9, 2022
• Trump-Era Revisions to Endangered Species Rules Tossed by Judge, Bloomberg Law, July 5, 2022
• Animal rights group wants to build advocacy pipeline with law school program, Reuters, March 31, 2022
• Court strikes down Iowa’s second ‘ag-gag’ law as unconstitutional, Iowa Capital Dispatch, March 15, 2022
  It is incomprehensible that Iowa legislators continue to waste Iowans’ taxpayer dollars to pass and defend unconstitutional laws that suppress free speech simply to protect their own financial interests,” says Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells. “We hope this ruling sends a clear message that the Iowa legislature should cease its efforts to pass unconstitutional Ag-Gag laws.
  — Stephen Wells, Executive Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
• Delaware County zoo owners seek dismissal of contempt conviction, fine by high court, Telegraph Herald, Feb. 3, 2022
• ‘Nothing to do, nowhere to go’: What happens when elephants live alone, National Geographic, Jan. 31, 2022
• ‘The Situation Is Dire’: California’s Tule Elk Face Biggest Threat Yet, Sentient Media, Jan. 20, 2022
• Opinion: California’s space requirements for animals place public opinion over industry interests, Des Moines Register, Jan. 6, 2022

2021 Highlights

• • Kansas asks U.S. Supreme Court to hear case over state’s ‘ag-gag’ law, Reuters, Nov. 17, 2021
  • Pablo Escobar’s ‘cocaine hippos’ are legally people, U.S. court rules, The Washington Post, Oct. 26, 2021
  • Pablo Escobar’s Cocaine Hippos Are Legally People, Says US Judge, Vice News, Oct. 22, 2021

• Court Rules Pablo Escobar’s Cocaine Hippos Are Legally People, Huffington Post, Oct. 21, 2021
• Lawsuit takes aim at Iowa’s newest ‘ag gag’ law, Iowa Capital Dispatch, Aug. 10, 2021
• Georgia pet owner must surrender exotic African cat that escaped, entered neighbor’s home: reports, Fox News, July 9, 2021
• $5,000 reward offered for information on drone crash in Bolsa Chica bird reserve, Los Angeles Times, July 8, 2021
• Atlanta Woman Wakes Up to Find a Wild African Serval Cat on Her Bed: ‘I’m in Bed Freaking Out’, People, July 7, 2021
• Atlanta woman wakes up to find a wild African cat on her bed, CNN, July 3, 2021
• Animal Rights Organization Sues Over Deaths of 152 Elk, Newsweek, June 23, 2021
• Reward increased to help find suspect who scraped ‘TRUMP’ on manatee: report, Orlando Sentinel, April 22, 2021

2020 Highlights

• • Alleged animal abuse in US dairy sector under investigation, The Guardian, October 15, 2020
  • Appeals court upholds ruling finding Kansas ‘ag-gag’ law unconstitutional, Food Dive, Aug. 25, 2020
  • Point of View: “Tiger King” zoo closed, but weak laws leave animals vulnerable, The Oklahoman, Aug. 22, 2020
    Big cats aren’t playthings. They are dangerous, wild animals. They don’t belong in backyards or movie sets. It’s time for the law to protect these animals and the members of the public who may unknowingly live next door to a big cat. Oklahoma doesn’t need a Tiger King 2.0.
    — Stephen Wells, Executive Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund

• U.S. Supreme Court spurns environmental challenge to Trump’s border wall, Reuters, June 29, 2020
• Iggy Pop Urges Florida Senators to Pass Bill Protecting Big Cats, Rolling Stone, June 3, 2020
• Conservationists sue Trump administration over border wall, The Hill, May 12, 2020
• Mountain lions, grizzly bears among 110 animals missing from Iowa roadside zoo, group says, Des Moines Register, Jan. 9, 2020

2019 Highlights

• • Judge orders animals be removed from Iowa zoo, citing ‘deplorable’ conditions, Des Moines Register, Nov. 25, 2019
  • Foie Gras Lawsuit Dismissed Against Napa’s La Toque, Eater, Aug. 28, 2019
  • Mega Dairy Tillamook Accused Of Misleading Marketing Campaigns, Oregon Public Broadcasting, Aug. 19, 2019
  • Federal judge denies Olympic Game Farm’s motion to dismiss portions of lawsuit, Peninsula Daily News, May 31, 2019
  • CA Lawmakers Move Multiple Animal-Welfare Bills Forward, Public News Service, April 12, 2019
  • That ‘natural’ bacon you bought may contain nitrates, Los Angeles Times, April 10, 2019
  • Reminder: The Word “Natural” Means Absolutely Nothing on Food Labels, Modern Farmer, April 24, 2019
  • Country Icon Tanya Tucker Speaks Out Against Roadside Zoo After Disturbing Visit, Look to the Stars, April 10, 2019

• • SUNY Uses Taxpayer Dollars to Torture Kittens in Useless Experiments, Truthout, March 15, 2019
    “While transparency obligations may be understandably unpopular with those who must comply, they are not optional. SUNY’s College of Optometry is compelled under the law to release these records about horrific experiments carried out under its watch on young cats and kittens, experiments that have been going on for years using taxpayer money. The public has the right to know.”
    — Stephen Wells, Executive Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
  • Fake animal rescue group sued for alleged “puppy laundering scheme, News 10, March 7, 2019
  • The Case for Counting Our Chickens, The Animal Law Podcast, February 27, 2019
  • Stephen Wells: Lead Hero at the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Awesome Vegans with Elysabeth Alfano, February 18, 2019
  • SeaWorld death shows why orca captivity must end | Commentary, Orlando Sentinel, January 31, 2019
    We need the Florida Orca Protection Act because Kayla deserved better than what she got: a short life in a small tank. Orcas are counting on us to make sure this generation of captive orcas is the last.”
    — Stephen Wells, Executive Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund

• Cotati-based Animal Legal Defense Fund steps up for wildlife, The Press Democrat, January 24, 2019
  What makes our legal work so important is that when we win a case we’re not just protecting the animals involved in that case, we’re also moving the law forward. Future advocates can use those laws and precedents to protect animals.”
  — Stephen Wells, Executive Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
• U.S. Forest Service Builds Pen for Wild Horses in NorCal, a Move That Could Pave Way for Their Slaughter, KTLA, January 15, 2019
• Nebraska Could Be Next in Line to Define What the Word ‘Meat’ Really Means, Fortune, January 13, 2019
• Report: Kentucky worst state for animal protection laws, FOX 56, January 8, 2019
• Supreme Court rejects latest challenge to California foie gras ban, KCBS, January 7, 2019
  The suffering ducks endure to produce foie gras is intolerable and rightfully outlawed.”
  — Stephen Wells, Executive Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
• New Jersey Lawmakers May Consider Giving Animals Attorneys In Court, KFSM, January 6, 2019

2018 Highlights

• The Case of the Meaning of Meat, The Animal Law Podcast, December 26, 2018
• Florida votes to end greyhound racing in the state by 2020 people, Yahoo! News, November 10, 2018
  For decades the Florida legislature failed to protect greyhounds abused by the racing industry. Today voters made a historic choice to make Florida a more humane state. Amendment 13 puts an end to the cycle of cruelty that victimized greyhounds in the state for far too long. These social dogs will soon be able to retire and enjoy running on their own terms, without being forced to spend most of their days in cages or being drugged to enhance their performance.
  — Stephen Wells, Executive Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
• Meat Has a Replacement But No One Knows What to Call It, Bloomberg, November 8, 2018
• Activists demand closure of Puerto Rico zoo after deaths, ABC News, October 26, 2018
• Animal Legal Defense Fund Partners with National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges to Address Animal Cruelty, EIN News, October 25, 2018
• New climate change lawsuit filed as ‘Climate Kids’ effort stalls , The Oregonian, October 20, 2018
• A Plant By Any Other Name — Can You Call It Meat In Missouri?, Forbes, August 31, 2018
• Fake meat’ is at the center of food fight in Missouri, CNN, August 29, 2018
  As more and more consumers are making the conscious choice to remove animals from their plates, Missouri is putting its thumb on the scale to unfairly benefit the meat industry and silence alternative producers. This law violates various constitutional principles, including free speech — which should be a concern for everyone, regardless of diet.
  — Stephen Wells, Executive Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
• Former research chimps to get new life at Georgia sanctuary, AP News, August 24, 2018

• A horse was neglected by its owner. Now the horse is suing., Washington Post, August 13, 2018
  There have been a lot of efforts to try to get animals not only to be protected but to have the right to go to court when their rights are violated. Those haven’t found the right key to the courthouse door. And we’re hopeful that this is the key.
  — Matthew Liebman, Director of Litigation, Animal Legal Defense Fund
• Trump’s proposed border wall sees new courtroom scrutiny, FOX News, August 7, 2018
• Bella’s Law would strengthen NYS penalties for animal abuse, WBFO, June 7, 2018
• A Horse Goes to Court, ABC News, May 4, 2018
• Lawsuit Filed On Behalf Of Horse Seeks $100,000, MSNBC Newsweek, May 4, 2018
• Horse sues former owner for negligence, wants $100K, New York Post, May 3, 2018
  Horses, like Justice, are intelligent animals with the capacity for rich, tremendous lives. Oregon law already recognizes Justice’s right to be free from cruelty — this lawsuit simply expands the remedies available when abusers violate animals’ legal rights.
  — Stephen Wells, Executive Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
• Withholding of Egg Data Challenged in Rare FOIA Trial, Courthouse News Service, April 20, 2018
  The public has a right to know what’s going on in these farms and what the FDA is doing to protect the public interest.
  — Christopher Berry, Senior Staff Attorney, Animal Legal Defense Fund
• Trader Joe’s sued for advertising suggesting its eggs come from free-roaming hens, Mic, March 23, 2018
  Consumers are more and more concerned about animal welfare every year, and they’re willing to vote with their dollar. When the reality of cage-free is [better understood], it’s going to lose its luster and people are going to demand more.
  — Tyler Lobdell, Food Law Fellow for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
• Animal Cruelty: Which State is the Worst at Protecting Animals?, Newsweek, March 21, 2018
  Perpetrators of the most unthinkable violence against animals deserve more than a slap on the wrist, and now prosecutors in Pennsylvania have more important tools they need to tackle these horrific cases.” said Lora Dunn, director and senior staff attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Criminal Justice Program.
  — Lora Dunn, Criminal Justice Program Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
• There were 85 pet deaths on flights in 3 years. United had 41 of them, Boston Globe, March 15, 2018
• ‘History in the making’: California aims for world’s highest farm animal welfare law, The Guardian, March 7, 2018
• A Florida House bill could make it legal to sell puppy mill dogs statewide, even if local ordinances ban it, Tampa Bay Times, February 26, 2018
• When the Law Recognizes Animals as Peoples, The New Republic, February 2, 2018
• Animal Cruelty Is a Clear Predictor of Future Violence, So Why Are Perpetrators Merely Slapped on the Wrist?, Alternet, January 15, 2018
  Animal cruelty must be taken more seriously and the penalties should reflect that seriousness. This is both for the sakes of the animal victims and for the safety of our communities more broadly.
  — Stephen Wells, Executive Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
• Lakeville area fur farm agrees not to kill wolves while animal rights suit proceeds, Minneapolis Star Tribune, January 8, 2018
• Court voids Idaho ban on secret farm videos, revives some curbs on probes, Reuters, January 4, 2018

2017 Highlights

• • Jim Mack’s Ice Cream gives up animal menagerie, York Dispatch, November 20, 2017
    No animal should have to suffer to be an attraction at an ice cream shop. There’s definitely a trend toward people seeing animals as individual beings with unique needs and no longer as spectacles for human entertainment.”
    — Matthew Liebman, Director of Litigation, Animal Legal Defense Fund
  • Fish feel pain, use tools, can recognize faces, and deserve legal protection group says, KATU, November 16, 2017
    “Even though fish can feel pain and suffer like other animals can, they currently have very little legal protection. Fish are actually excluded from the laws that protect animals.
    — Kelly Levenda, Student Programs Attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
  • Animal rights groups sue MN fur farm over gray wolves, Capital Journal, November 2, 2017

• • Deal with predator-control agency bars aerial gunning and some traps in wilderness areas, San Francisco Chronicle, November 1, 2017
  • $5K Reward Offered After Men Reportedly Beat Dog with Bat, NBC Bay Area, October 26, 2017
  • Tiger Kept At Truck Stop For 17 Years Dies, But The Legal Battle Isn’t Over, Yahoo! News, October 21, 2017
    We’re going to keep fighting and make sure there’s never another Tony.
    — Tony Eliseuson, Senior Staff Attorney, Animal Legal Defense Fund
  • The Tragic Tale of Tony the Truck-Stop Tiger, Alternet, October 19, 2017
  • Vallejo woman sued for allegedly running a puppy mill, East Bay Times, October 7, 2017
  • Society’s feeling in defense of animals, Community Voice, October 5, 2017
    We’re seeing a real incredible shift in the past 15 years or so with virtually every significant law school now teaching animal law classes. The field of law called animal law really didn’t exist before the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
    — Stephen Wells, Executive Director, Animal Legal Defense Fund
  • Environmentalist groups sue to block Trump’s border wall proposal, Los Angeles Times, September 15, 2017
  • Puppies Sold At Pet Stores Linked To Multistate Bacterial Outbreak, Consumerist, September 12, 2017
    It’s not hard to see how animals raised in these cramped and unsanitary conditions, trucked hundreds of miles from puppy mills to the pet stores, intermingled with other fragile young animals and handled by numerous employees and customers could become disease vectors.
    — Matthew Liebman, Director of Litigation, Animal Legal Defense Fund

• • Apply Animal Welfare Act rules to recreational hunting, says advocacy group, Mongabay, September 6, 2017
  • You Can’t Kill Bigfoot in Washington and More Odd Animal Laws, National Geographic, August 31, 2017
  • Abused Dogs and Cats Now Have a (Human) Voice in Connecticut Courts, New York Times, August 27, 2017
  • Monterey County Ordered to Review Predator Cull Program, Courthouse News Service, August 11, 2017
  • Local class action suit accuses pet store chain of selling sick animals, 11 Alive, July 26, 2017
  • Dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars, The Pet Show, July 23, 2017
  • Wisconsin officials sued over hunter harassment law, Minneapolis Star Tribune, July 20, 2017
  • Really spectacular improvement: Group ranks P.E.I. No. 1 for animal welfare, Yahoo! Canada, July 18, 2017
  • Comments: Federal judge strikes down Utah’s ‘ag gag’ law as unconstitutional, Salt Lake Tribune, July 9, 2017
  • Puppy Left at Airport with Heartbreaking Note After Woman Flees Domestic Abuse, Pet MD, July 7, 2017
    Animal cruelty is quite prevalent in the context of domestic violence. The best suggestion—time and circumstance permitting— is for them to attempt to plan to flee the abusive situation with their pet. There are increasing numbers of shelters that will house the victim with their pets. Several states have enacted legislation to specifically cover pets in domestic violence situations.
    — Diane Balkin, Senior Staff Attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
  • Lucky the Elephant will have her day in court, WOAI News, June 15, 2017

• • Animal activists outraged by plan for retired circus tigers, CBS News, May 27, 2017
    In theory, Ringling Bros. would have to show that there’s a scientific benefit to the species for this export. Obviously, though, there’s no benefit whatsoever to the species when the purpose is to go to a circus. It’s pure exploitation, designed to make a profit. The animals get treated very harshly.
    — Tony Eliseuson, Senior Staff Attorney, Animal Legal Defense Fund
  • Breaking! Ringling Bros. Plans To Export Their Tigers To A German Circus? No Way!, World Animal News, May 26, 2017
  • What it’s like to be an animal rights lawyer, Hello Giggles, May 7, 2017
    I’ve played many roles since we at Animal Legal Defense Fund first opened our doors: litigator, fundraiser, administrator, Executive Director, and today, General Counsel. I love what I do, and I can’t think of any work I would rather do than speak out for defenseless beings.
    — Joyce Tischler, Co-founder and General Counsel for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
  • Animal lovers warn against shipping pets as cargo, but there are few other options, Consumer Affairs, May 3, 2017
  • Chimpanzee sanctuary reports Candy, the Dixie Landin’ chimp in Baton Rouge, died Thursday , Baton Rouge Advocate, April 21, 2017
    This tragedy highlights the urgency of similar cases of animals in captivity. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has had pending litigation for six years to release Tony, a 16-year-old tiger in potentially declining health held captive at a gas station less than an hour away from where Candy was held.
    — Stephen Wells, Executive Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
  • Group: Truck-stop tiger may be ill; Owner: Old, arthritic, Washington Times, April 13, 2017
  • Animal Rights Groups Fight Ag-Gag Law, FOX 16, March 26, 2017
    The good news is that these laws are unconstitutional. Courts have found them such and the frightening thing here is that Arkansas legislators and the governor are willing to violate the federal constitution at cost the tax payers’ money just to try and hide factory farms from the public.
    — Carter Dillard, Senior Policy Advisor for the Animal Legal Defense Fund

• • Animal groups battle USDA, The Hill, March 15, 2017
  • NY Law Would Up Penalties for Harming Pets During Crime, NBC New York, February 21, 2017
  • Victory for Animal Rights Group in Zoo Proceeding, Courthouse News Service, February 17, 2017
  • Is Your Pet Safe Flying In Cargo?, Conde Nast Traveler, February 12, 2017
  • Lawyers line up to sue USDA-APHIS over law enforcement info deletions, Animals 24/7, February 9, 2017
    Scrubbing Animal Welfare Act inspection reports from the internet is an affront to the transparency vital to our democracy.
    — Stephen Wells, Executive Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund
  • Chasing a Cow With a Drone? Utah Bill Would Put You in Jail, ABC News, February 9, 2017
  • ‘Large dogs a MUST!!’ Landlord’s pet-friendly policy has tails wagging everywhere, TODAY Show, February 6, 2017
    When landlords restrict pets, loving owners often relinquish their dogs to shelters or are faced with unnecessary evictions.
    — Lora Dunn, Director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Criminal Justice Program
  • Joint Custody for the Family Pet? Alaska Becomes Legal Trailblazer for Animal Rights, NBC Nightly News, January 28, 2017
    We hope that this is part of a growing trend of states recognizing that animals are not like a couch, a car that can just be divvied up in a divorce. That they’re unique and that their interest should be considered.
    — Kelsey Eberly, Animal Legal Defense Fund Staff Attorney

• Coyote killing contests are getting away with much more than mass animal murder, Fusion, January 23, 2017
  Killing contests are ethically inconsistent with the proper management of wildlife.
  — Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director
• A Dog’s Purpose Controversy: American Humane Association Guidelines for Animal Actors, People Magazine, January 20, 2017
• Cheyenne residents push for tougher animal cruelty laws in Wyoming, Wyoming Tribune, January 16, 2017
• The worst state in America for animal safety, Yahoo News, January 11, 2017

2016 Highlights

• • Animal Lovers Take Demand for Egg Labels to Ninth, Courthouse News Service, December 16, 2016
  • Lack of animal shelter prompts lawsuit against Barbour County, WDAM, December 15, 2016
  • P.E.I. animal protection law gets failing grade but province says changes coming, CBC News, December 13, 2016
  • DNA evidence helps free a service dog from death row, The Washington Post, November 6, 2016
  • ‘Mother of Animal Law’ Parlayed Her Passion Into a Profession, Law.com, November 2, 2016
  • Law school students organize against the use of animals in emergency medical training, The Daily Tar Heel, October 26, 2016
  • Federal judge hears arguments on Utah’s ‘ag gag’ law, Salt Lake City Tribune, October 25, 2016
  • Animal-rights group ties gambling laws to Kansas coyote hunt, The Wichita Eagle, October 22, 2016
  • Texas Veterinarian Suspended after Killing Cat With an Arrow, People Magazine, October 18, 2016
  • FDA May Be Forced to Share Information on Egg Farms, Court Rules, Organic Authority, October 5, 2016
    Public health and safety is on the line, and the people have a right to know how the FDA is protecting them. Details of animal welfare and the risk of disease outbreaks that affect human health are too important to remain hidden from the public.
    — Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director
  • Madison-based lawyer is pioneer in defending animals, Madison Magazine, October 3, 2016
  • White Tigers At Houston Aquarium Allegedly Haven’t Been Outside in 12 Years, People Magazine, September 29, 2016
  • A National Epidemic is Threatening Family Dogs, The Huffington Post, September 25, 2016“
    
    If we care about dogs and police officers, we owe it to them to demand fully funded comprehensive training programs for all officers. Every officer needs to be comfortable coming into contact with dogs, and be prepared with non-lethal strategies to interact with them.
    — Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director
  • Pet store accused of selling sick puppies settles lawsuit, ABC7 Chicago, September 21, 2016
  • Roadside Zoo Shuts Down After People Speak Up About What They Saw There, The Dodo, September 15, 2016
    We are happy to have helped these long-suffering animals find habitats that meet their needs as wild animals, and we are relieved that they are finally free from their cramped and dilapidated quarters at Animaland.
    — Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director
  • Orca Shows and Breeding Banned in California, National Geographic, September 14, 2016
  • Court: Kennels can’t keep nursing dogs on wire floors, PennLive, September 10, 2016
  • LSU rallies around mascot ‘Mike the Tiger,’ who is battling cancer, Today Show, September 10, 2016
    We’re in an age where Ringling Bros. has turned away from using elephants in its traveling circus, where SeaWorld has decided it’s no longer appropriate to breed and use orcas. It’s time for LSU to join the 21st century.
    — Carney Anne Nasser, Animal Legal Defense Fund Senior Counsel for Wildlife and Regulatory Affairs
  • Lawsuit Challenges “Pasture Raised” Claims: Bucolic Brouhaha, The National Law Review, September 7, 2016
  • Not just in Canada: Spear hunting is legal in four states, The Washington Post, August 23, 2016
  • Animal Legal Defense Fund offers reward in cat cruelty case, The Community Voice, August 12, 2016
    The link between violence to animals and violence to humans is well documented. We are very glad the police are taking this matter seriously, and we offer our full support.”
    — Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director

• • 9th Circuit to reconsider case over FDA records request, Reuters, August 4, 2016
  • Iowa zoo settles lawsuit; lions sent to Colorado sanctuary, Yahoo! News, August 4, 2016
  • Groups Threaten Suit to Stop Arkansas Factory Chicken Farm, Public News Service, August 1, 2016
    The poultry litter is what is toxic to the environment. And that is over-applied or over-spread on fields as fertilizer. It can discharge or drain into these waterways and then, start killing off these protected species.”
    — Jessica Blome, Animal Legal Defense Fund Staff Attorney
  • Activists Take a Stand for Embattled Zoo’s Lions, Courthouse News Service, July 12, 2016
  • Homeboykris died of heart attack on Preakness Day, had high level of anti-inflammatory drug, necropsy shows, Baltimore Sun, July 12, 2016
    It’s vital that these horses are not forgotten — and that their deaths are investigated and explained.”
    — Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director
  • Criminal: Showdown at the Tiger Truck Stop, WUNC, July 1, 2016
  • Hormel sued over its ‘misleading’ use of term ‘natural’ on meat products, FOX News, July 1, 2016
    The lawsuit is aimed at the misleading picture that Hormel is projecting through its advertising campaign. They are painting this picture of a family farm where animals go to pasture and aren’t given antibiotic drugs.
    — Kelsey Eberly, Animal Legal Defense Fund Staff Attorney
  • What’s ‘All Natural’ Meat? Hormel is About to Find Out, Bloomberg, June 30, 2016
  • Day 1 in Trial Over Legality of Hendry County Monkey Farms, WINK News, June 27, 2016
  • Idaho’s Ag-Gag Law Challenged in Federal Court, Public News Service, June 21, 2016
    Numerous undercover investigations have exposed unsafe food-handling practices and horrific cruelty to animals. It’s incredibly important that these kinds of investigations be able to take place and educate the public on what’s happening at these highly-secretive facilities.
    — Matthew Liebman, Animal Legal Defense Fund Chief Legal Counsel

• • Legal Ways to Help Pets In Hot Cars, BlogPaws, June 14, 2016
  • Catskills high school won’t put on annual Donkey Basketball fundraiser after complaints from animal rights group, New York Daily News, June 14, 2016
    When a government is using taxpayer dollars to promote cruelty to animals, we get involved.
    — Jessica Blome, Animal Legal Defense Fund Senior Staff Attorney
  • Dangers of Leaving Your Pets in a Hot Car, KSAT, June 9, 2016
    Our message is first and foremost of course is call 911.Cracking the windows a little bit does absolutely nothing to change the temperature.
    — Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director
  • Lonely Elephant Has Spent Over 50 Years In Texas Zoo, The Dodo, June 8, 2016
    Animal Legal Defense Fund’s goal is to ensure that Lucky gets to spend her last years at a sanctuary, in a more appropriate habitat with other elephants, where she can have a meaningful existence, and not just be a way of selling tickets.
    — Carney Anne Nasser, Animal Legal Defense Fund Senior Counsel for Wildlife and Regulatory Affairs
  • Animal Rights Groups Decry Live Mascots. But What’s Daily Life Like as a Sideline Pet?, The Washington Post, June 6, 2016
    A university’s sporting events is similar to a circus, that it can continue to dazzle and entertain without animal acts. A sporting event at a university certainly does not rely on an animal mascot to fill seats on game day.
    — Carney Anne Nasser, Animal Legal Defense Fund Senior Counsel for Wildlife and Regulatory Affairs
  • Groups Cry Foul Over Monterey County and USDA Wildlife Services Contract Renewal, The Monterey Herald, June 3, 2016
  • Animal Welfare Activists, State Spar Over ‘Ag-Gag’ Law, The Tribune, June 1, 2016
  • Pork producer to probe alleged Nebraska abuses, Omaha.com, May 27, 2016
    Consumers who are looking to support more responsible businesses are deceived by companies, such as the Maschhoffs, that misrepresent themselves with false idyllic words and images rather than developing a better business model.
    — Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director
  • Major Pork Producer Promises Investigation into Abuse Allegations, KFXL, May 26, 2016
  • BIOTECH FIRM TO PAY $3.5 MILLION TO SETTLE ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES, El Observador, May 26, 2016
  • Miami Seaquarium Sued Over Lolita, ‘World’s Loniest Orca’, Inquisitr, May 19, 2016
    Lolita is protected by the Endangered Species Act and deserves to live a life free of harassment, in which she can engage in natural behavior. We will continue to fight to win her protections under the law.
    — Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director

• Idaho ordered to pay $250,000 in ‘ag gag’ case Capital Press, May 19, 2016
• Group Wants Peek at Foster Farms’ Water Bill, Courthouse News Service, May 4, 2016
• Activists Have Figured Out a Way to Stop Government-Sanctioned Mass Wildlife Killings, AlterNet, May 2, 2016
  Because of the secrecy, a lot of people in local government don’t know what kind of impact these contracts with Wildlife Services were having on their local wildlife,” Blome said.
  — Jessica Blome, Animal Legal Defense Fund Attorney
• Swaziland Has Another Horrible Plan to ‘Help’ Rhinos, Care2, May 10, 2016
  From the beginning animal protection groups have said that the zoos’ purported concern about saving rhinos was just a cover for buying wild elephants. Unless these zoos vigorously oppose Swaziland’s proposal to sell rhino horns, their conservation claims will forever ring hollow.
  — Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director
• Will Bundy’s cattle be latest victims of BLM cruelty?, Las Vegas Review-Journal, May 7, 2016
• Zookeeper’s death raises the question: Does a 300-pound tiger belong in a zoo?, The Star Tribune, April 17, 2016
• Mendocino County dumps federal killings of livestock predators, San Francisco Chronicle, April 27, 2016
• Free Candy: Louisiana chimpanzee is center of landmark lawsuit, The Guardian, April 4, 2016
• How much is a pet dog worth? A court will soon decide, The Washington Post, April 12, 2016
• North Carolina Ag-gag law draws lawsuits, The Daily Tar Heel, February 11, 2016
• Judge: Cricket Hollow Zoo must remove tigers, lemurs, The Des Moines Register, February 11, 2016
• The worst offenders: Hillsborough may become the first county in Florida to adopt an animal abuser registry, Creative Loafing Tampa, February 11, 2016
• Owners say moving Candy the chimpanzee from Dixie Landin’ could harm her health, but animal rights activists disagree, The Advocate, February 13, 2016
• The Bison Roundup the Government Wants to Hide, The New York Times, February 15, 2016
• Tips for keeping pets safe during the dark days of winter, The Porland Phoenix, February 18, 2016
• Ag-Gag Laws in America: The Ugly Truth, Modern Farmer, February 18, 2016
• San Antonio Zoo Fighting To Keep ‘Lucky’ The Elephant, The Inquisitr News,February 22, 2016
• Endangered in the Wild, In Danger in Captivity, The Huffington Post, February 24, 2016
• Agricultural gags open doors to corruption, The Daily Mississippian, February 29, 2016
• Undercover Investigation Exposes Suffering at Unlicensed Puppy Mill, The Dodo, February 29, 2016
• Animal Legal Defense Fund wants New Mexico kennel shut down, Krqe.com, February 29, 2016
• Agency misinterpreting law on exotic animals?, THonline.com, March 6, 2016
• Federal Protection Sought For Black Bears, NorthEscambia.com, March 19, 2016
• Good Samaritans Bust Dogs Out Of Hot Cars: House Bill 131 Unanimously Passed Both Florida’s House and Senate, The Pet Tree House, March 21, 2016
• Lolita’s Miami Seaquarium Tank Doesn’t Meet Federal Standards, Activists Argue UPDATED, Miami New Times, March 21, 2016
• Rotten Eggs? Carton Labels Can be Deceiving, Public News Service, March 25, 2016
• Report: UMMC poisoned animals, The Clarion-Ledger, March 29, 2016
• U.S. District Court to Hear Arguments for Preliminary Injunction to Halt Yellowstone Bison Slaughter, Bloomberg Business, February 2, 2016
• Fight Over Lucky the Elephant Continues, Courthouse News Service, February 1, 2016

2015 Highlights

• • Why a woman got two years in prison for leaving puppy in car Christian Science Monitor, December 2, 2015
  • Animal Rights Group Sues San Antonio Zoo, San Antonio Current, December 1, 2015

• • SeaWorld plans to challenge California commission over orca breeding ban, Reuters.com, October 15, 2015
  • SeaWorld can expand tank but not breed whales, board rules, CNN, October 11, 2015
  • Coastal Commission staff recommends approval of SeaWorld orca tank project, Los Angeles Times, September 25, 2015
  • Undercover Investigation Alleges Abuse of Chickens, Workers at Tyson Slaughter Plant in Texas, Food Safety News, September 16, 2015
  • A Peek Inside an Industrial Chicken Slaughterhouse, Mother Jones, September 15, 2015
  • Tyson Foods Under Fire As Second Video Shows Chicken Abuse , Fox Business, September 14 2015
  • Killing of Pembroke Pines Pomeranian prompts outcry, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, August 13, 2015
  • Manchester zoo suit set for trial, Telegraph Herald, August 7, 2015
    We brought before the court three extraordinarily qualified experts, each of whom have spent decades of experience working on behalf of captive animals. In addition to that, there are the indisputable records the Department of Agriculture has provided (that show) a legacy of violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
    — Jeff Pierce, Animal Legal Defense Fund Litigation Fellow
  • Judge: Idaho’s Anti-Dairy Spying Law Is Unconstitutional, Associated Press, August 3, 2015
    This decision vindicates the public’s rights to know how animals are treated before they become meat.
    — Matthew Liebman, Animal Legal Defense Fund Senior Attorney

• • Idaho’s ban on undercover animal abuse videos struck down by federal judge, Los Angeles Times, August 4, 2015
  • Animal rights groups targeting Mendocino County, again, Ukiah Daily Journal, July 28, 2015
    We at least thought the Board of Supervisors would complete an initial study. Instead, they just threw up their hands and claimed they were exempt.
    — Jessica Blome, Animal Legal Defense Fund Attorney
  • Animal rights groups file suit against Miami Seaquarium, Miami Herald July 20, 2015
  • Animal Legal Defense Fund files new complaint against Hendry County monkey farm, Naples Daily News, July 16, 2015
    It boils down to the common sense notion that a veterinarian, who by all reports hasn’t been able to keep animals in good condition, should face consequences.
    — Chris Berry, Animal Legal Defense Fund Attorney
  • Manitoba is top dog for animal protection laws, Winnipeg Free Press, July 7, 2015
  • Mendocino County continues controversial wildlife management program , Ukiah Daily Journal, June 19, 2015
    We agreed to the CEQA terminology because we thought they (county) would look at the scientific evidence. We wanted them (supervisors) to truly look at what the Wildlife Services trapper is doing in Mendocino County.
    — Jessica Blome, Animal Legal Defense Fund Attorney
  • Animal Rights Groups: Lab Monkeys Deserve Same Treatment Laws As Chimpanzees, CBS, D.C., June 18, 2015
    The conditions do not reflect what the science shows these animals need. Without the standards we’ve asked for, these animals are suffering.
    — Carter Dillard, Animal Legal Defense Fund Director of Litigation
  • Animal Legal Defense Fund in Talks with St. Louis Taxi Commission, CBS, St. Louis, June 17, 2015
    Anonymous videos, from concerned carriage customers and citizens revealed blatant violations.
    — Jessica Blome, Animal Legal Defense Fund Attorney
  • Animal-rights group settles lawsuit with city, Stockton Record, June 10, 2015
    Animal Legal Defense Fund is pleased to see the city of Stockton, California, and Stockton Animal Services make so many improvements. Their rapid turnaround is still a work in progress, though, and more remains to be done to meet the full standards animals deserve.
    — Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director
  • Dog found with muzzle taped shut: How well do US laws protect animals? , Christian Science Monitor, June 2, 2015

• • Another Hendry monkey farm added to Sunshine Law suit, The News-Press, May 28, 2015
  • It’s only human to want better life for Lucky, San Antonio Express News, May 14, 2015
    If we are seeing more of this kind of lawsuit brought under the Endangered Species Act on behalf of captive animals, it’s also because our understanding of what it means to be an animal, and what it means to a captive animal is developing in a new way as well.
    — Jeff Pierce, Animal Legal Defense Fund Litigation Fellow
  • Monkey Farms in Florida Under Scrutiny From Officials, Associated Press, May 12, 2015
  • Opponents of Idaho ‘Ag Gag’ Law Plead Case to Federal Judge, Associated Press, April 29, 2015
  • Mendocino County suspends contract with a federal wildlife agency, Los Angeles Times, April 15, 2015

• • Beating Animals Breaks Law. Now Trying to Expose It Does, Too, Bloomberg, March 25, 2015
    Company staging Spanish-style bull runs to end California events, Reuters, March 10, 2015

    The Great Bull Run is a disgrace wherever it occurs. But that will never again be in the state of California.

    — Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director
  • Case against secret monkey facility moves forward, The News-Press, March 6, 2015
    There should have been no doubt that a public meeting was required here. The Sunshine law tells us, ‘Don’t make policy decisions behind closed doors, and don’t delegate important decision-making to staff in private conferences.
    — Kelsey Eberly, Animal Legal Defense Fund Litigation Fellow
  • Animal rights groups can sue Napa restaurant over foie gras, SFGate, March 5, 2015
  • Douglas County deputy named as one of nation’s ‘top 10 animal defenders’, The Oregonian, February 27, 2015
  • Lead woman named top animal defender for 2015, Black Hills FOX News, February 26, 2015
  • Little Ricki has been freed from her roadside cage, is on the road to Colorado sanctuary, LancasterOnline, February 9, 2015
    Our legal team is thrilled that Mr. McDaniel has made the ethical choice.”
    — Matthew Liebman, Animal Legal Defense Fund Senior Attorney

• Bear Sent To Wild Animal Sanctuary After Years As Ice Cream Shop Draw , Associated Press, February 9, 2015
• Kentucky Ranked Last in Animal Welfare Laws for 7th Year, WBKO-TV, February 9, 2015
• Orca ‘Lolita’ at Miami facility to get endangered protection, Associated Press,  February 4, 2015
  We hope that this listing decision will help her transition from a life of captivity to a life with her family in the wild.
  — Jessica Blome, Animal Legal Defense Fund Staff Attorney
• California says will appeal ruling making foie gras legal, Reuters, February 4, 2015
• Cat Haven agrees to add safety measures following lion mauling death, The Fresno Bee,  January 13, 2015
  We commend Cal OSHA for doing a great job to resolve this unfortunate situation.
  — Christopher Berry, Animal Legal Defense Fund Staff Attorney
• Reward grows to catch killer of burned dog, Sacramento Bee, January 27, 2015