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.