Recognizing that animals are among the most vulnerable members of our society and that those who mistreat animals often commit crimes against human victims, Mr. Cooley created the largest division in the country dedicated to the consistent and vigorous prosecution of animal cruelty, animal neglect, and illegal animal fighting cases.

Believing that education is the most effective tool to changing people's attitudes, Sandra has initiated, developed and/or hosted numerous training opportunities, both within the Department and with other organizations, that are designed to eliminate misconceptions about animal-related crimes and redirect the focus from a simple "humane issue" to a "law enforcement issue."

The Animal Legal Defense Fund has created National Justice for Animals Week, an annual event that is dedicated to raising public awareness nationwide about how to report animal abuse and how to work within your community to create stronger laws and assure tough enforcement. Mark your calendars for ALDF's first-ever National Justice for Animals Week, February 22-28.

The Center for Animal Law Studies held the 2009 National Animal Law Moot Court and Closing Argument Competition this past weekend at Harvard Law School. I am happy to report first-hand that the event was a terrific success!

The SALDF chapter at the University of Houston has had its ups and downs this past year, but has managed to stay focused on their primary objective - making the world a better place for all creatures, one step at a time.

Lawsuit Follows Emergency Rescue of 6 Emaciated Horses, Too Late for a 7th Who Died in Extreme Pain of Starvation

ALDF strengthens collaboration with Lewis & Clark Law School

You've been a tremendous voice for animals in 2008 - from supporting ALDF's work with generous donations to taking action on cases that needed urgent attention. Because of you, more animals have been saved and more cutting-edge laws put in place to protect them. Your actions have made a world of difference for our clients - the animals!

This report - the only one of its kind in the nation - ranks the animal protection laws of every state based on their relative strength and general comprehensiveness.

The New York State Bar Association Special Committee on Animals and the Law has a new Mentor Program and is looking for law students who wish to participate.

Joining the Animal Law Committee within the Tort Trial Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) of the ABA is a fantastic opportunity for all Student Animal Legal Defense Fund members and law students.

Founded just last spring, Charleston School of Law SALDF has already celebrated some early successes.

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund and Center for Animal Law Studies present 16th annual gathering of legal luminaries, academics, and authors whose careers have gone to the dogs.

Panels include: Lessons Learned from the Vick Dogs, Persons or Property? The Ideal Status of Animals, and more!

There are countless avenues by which people are prompted to give more consideration to non-human animals. For Robert Knaier, it was philosophy.

Sherman v. Kissinger Ends With a Victory

Washington County, Oregon
Case Closed
Act now!

You'd think a busy attorney would be satisfied that her standard work load and untold pro bono hours were enough. Not Nicole Roth.

For Gabriela Sandoval, nothing is more important than helping those in need. And as part of ALDF's volunteer attorney network, she is putting her skills to work.

ALDF's message to legislators centered on the importance of laws aimed at reducing the enormous costs involved in caring for abused animals.

It is still uncommon for animal cruelty investigators to serve as expert witnesses, but if you or someone in your agency has the right combination of education, experience, and training, you may qualify as an expert witness.

Pamela Hart is an attorney and director of the Animal Law Program at the Animal Legal Defense Fund. In this capacity, she oversees programs dedicated to facilitating and fostering the development of animal law in academia and legal practice.

Stephen Wells is the executive director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Prior to becoming executive director in January, 2006, Stephen served as the director of ALDF’s successful Animal Law Program which he founded in 2000.

As one of the visionaries who co-founded the Animal Legal Defense Fund over thirty years ago, California attorney Joyce Tischler has helped shape the emerging field of animal law and now serves as ALDF's general counsel.

Scott has been a prosecutor for seventeen years, serving the last eight years as the elected district attorney in Benton County, Oregon. Joining ALDF's team in 2007, he now serves as the senior staff attorney in our Criminal Justice Program.

As attitudes have evolved during the past 20 years, animal law practice and education have steadily increased, and they continue to gain ground.

Second Annual Report Ranking Every State and the District of Columbia on the Relative Strength and Comprehensiveness of Their Animal Protection Laws

Until recently, there was not an animal law course being taught at Chicago-Kent College of Law; the Chicago-Kent SALDF made it their goal to change this.

Foster Care Forms Developed by the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Criminal Justice Program

Nearly 4,000 Legislators and Legislative Staffers Gathered in Boston

The biggest difficulty animal advocates face in helping animals get their day in court is "standing."

Quinnipiac Animal Law Society works to increase legal protection for animals.

Tamara McElyrea, vice president of Thomas M. Cooley Law School SALDF chapter discusses why animal law is here to stay.

From A Hoarding Case Comes A New Law

Attorneys, Law Students, Professors, and Activists From Around the World Convened for "The Future of Animal Law"

The University of Victoria School of Law's second annual conference on animal rights and the law left attendees craving more.

Double Whammy for Mistreated Animals is a Negative Side Effect of Measure 3

There are a number of ways to make significant contributions to this field by either working as a volunteer or doing pro bono work for a firm. Here are some suggestions for getting involved in animal law.

Developed for law students and law professionals, this tutorial focuses on fostering the growth of animal law in academia and legal practice. Animal Law 101 is in its new format and can be viewed online.

It began with one of the cruelest animal abuse cases imaginable. Three young men took Max, a brown tabby cat, from his home in Spokane, Washington, doused him with gasoline, and set him on fire in a field.

The Legal Advocates' Manual for Animal Abuse Criminal Cases was written to help attorneys and others become effective advocates for animals while working with their local prosecutors' offices.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund offers this comprehensive list of animal law courses offered throughout the United States and Canada.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund has issued an all-new report reviewing the status of the laws of each state in the country by chronicling both their statutes and caselaw as they relate to animal neglect.

A principal function of the American legal system is to resolve disputes through an attempt to determine the truth. There are generally two kinds of legal actions filed in the U.S.: civil cases and criminal cases. This page describes the process of a civil lawsuit.

Bar Association Animal Law Sections and Committees are established in many states and assist legal professionals interested in animal law.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund has compiled a concise list of animal law publications, academic journals and selected books.

As a paralegal member of Animal Legal Defense Fund's Animal Law Program, you'll receive ALDF's newsletter, The Animals' Advocate, an issue of Animal Law Review, email updates and more.

Several academic studies have found a clear link between animal cruelty during youth and violence against humans as an adult. This link is so well established, profilers routinely use animal cruelty reports in their assessment of the possible threat criminals pose.

A sample foster care agreement form for shelters to use to establish temporary foster homes for animals.

A sample foster care application form for shelters to use to establish temporary foster homes for animals.

Pre-conviction forfeiture is important so that the animal victims do not waste away in cages indefinitely but are instead allowed to be placed into loving homes.

Animals can’t vote, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't have a voice in the political process. Animal advocates can give them a voice if the appropriate steps are taken in lobbying for pro-animal legislation. Learn how.

ALDF's Model Animal Protection Laws include definitions of terms, general prohibitions, defenses, pre- and post-conviction provisions, and other provisions.

Whether writing to a prosecutor, sheriff, investigator or judge, our input can have a significant effect on how cases are handled and laws are enforced. The following tips will help you write a persuasive letter.

Finding an attorney to help with your animal-related issue can be an important step. ALDF offers these helpful suggestions when finding an animal law attorney.

There are many reasons why a prosecutor may choose not to pursue criminal cruelty charges, even when it appears to us that the perpetrator is obviously guilty. Find out why, and what you can do to help ensure animal abusers are prosecuted.

If someone has injured or killed your animal, you may be entitled to damages, regardless of whether the animal was injured or killed intentionally or accidentally, as long as the conduct is determined to be negligent. Read this important information.

Join Animal Legal Defense Fund's Animal Law Program! As an attorney member, you'll receive ALDF's newsletter, The Animals' Advocate, an issue of Animal Law Review, email updates and more.

Shelters without the resources to house large numbers of animals can adapt and use ALDF's Foster Care Application and Foster Care Agreement forms as part of a foster care program to establish temporary foster homes for the animals.

This Frequently Asked Questions section was designed to help address the legal questions generated by animal rescuers and others assisting with the recovery of animals affected by disasters.