Help win justice for Chai, Bamboo, Watoto and Sri by making a special donation and signing the petition today. Shamefully, the Woodland Park Zoo continues to use taxpayer money to exploit its elephants for profit while failing to provide them with adequate care. Together, we can stop this abuse.

Plaintiffs Protest Cruelty at the Zoo and the Use of City Funds to Support Facilities, Practices that Violate Animal Protection Laws

Clinton County, New York
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"Canine CSI? Advances in Investigating and Prosecuting Cruelty to Animals" discussed the latest tools attorneys have available to them when prosecuting animal cruelty cases, from DNA evidence to the data on the suspect's cell phone.

Unfortunate, but not unexpected, is how I would describe the ruling just handed down by the Vermont Supreme Court in the case of Shadow the murdered beloved family dog, also known as Scheele v. Dustin, ---A.2d---, 2010 WL 2015270 (Vt.).

We are delighted to celebrate Gracie's first birthday with you, our members and supporters - the very people who made Lacy and the other horses' rescue possible, and who named Gracie.

Ohio Residents: Take Action! Contact your senator through ALDF's website, and encourage him or her to support HB 70.

Confrontation Clause Implications of Admitting Veterinary Records Under the "Business Records" Exception to the Rule Against Hearsay

Get the information you need to protect animals in your community.

Hialeah, Florida
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Last year, Americans spent roughly $18 billion dollars on coffee—and virtually nothing to protect animals from some of the worst abuses imaginable. Is this who we are?

On April 2, 2010, a jury found Allison Dinsmore not guilty of felony animal cruelty for allegedly abandoning her two cats for weeks, leaving them to die horrible deaths by starvation in her apartment.

In November 2008, Glynn Johnson, a former L.A. County assistant fire chief, picked up a rock and beat his neighbor's German shepherd puppy, Karley, so viciously that she later had to be euthanized. On January 26, 2010, Johnson was found guilty of felony animal cruelty and faced a maximum sentence of four years in prison. On April 2, he received instead a 90-day sentence and three years' probation for beating Karley.

Only two months after he was convicted for third degree felony assault in a different case, Joshua Ray Gordon, 18, of St. Louis County, Minnesota allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and severely beat a 12-week-old puppy named Griffin.

St. Louis County, Minnesota
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NYPD cops prove to be pussycats with hearts of gold.

Since the Animal Legal Defense Fund launched our national abuser registry campaign on February 22 -- the same day California Senator Dean Florez announced an abuser registry bill for that state -- legislators from eight states have expressed interest in abuser registries, and Louisiana introduced its own offender registry bill.

Vikki Rene Kittles, also known as Susan Dietrich, Rene Depenbrock, and Lynn Zellan, has a history of animal hoarding that goes back decades and spans the United States from the Southeast to the Northwest.

Bill to make torturing cats and dogs a felony dies in the legislature.

Please visit ExposeAnimalAbusers.org and urge your state lawmakers to propose legislation for an animal abuser registry in your state.

Celebrating some of our nation's most important animal advocates.

Amy Slameka has been with the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office since January 2001. She co-founded the Animal Protection Unit (APU) in 2008 with Rajesh Prasad. The APU is designed to combat the underground criminal community that breeds, trains, houses and sells fighting animals.

Ron Beggs is a fifteen year veteran of the Dearborn, Michigan Police Department. Ron was the detective-in-charge of the investigation into alleged animal hoarder Kenneth Lang Jr. who was found to have over 100 live and 150 deceased Chihuahuas in his home.

Tammy Somers joined the Office of the Indiana Attorney General in October of 2008 as a Deputy Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division. The Attorney General's Office shut down a puppy mill and removed 74 dogs and four horses, and then shut down a second mill, rescuing nearly 300 dogs.

Tiffany Wasserburger is the county attorney for Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. Tiffany's tireless prosecution has helped provide second chances for countless animals, including Max the kitten.

James Reams has served as the Rockingham County Attorney for the past 12 years. James spearheaded the landmark prosecution when, in 2001, the Plaistow District Court searched the property of Christopher Devito in Newton, N.H. for evidence of running a "fighting dog" operation.

William G. Lamberth II is currently an Assistant District Attorney for Sumner County, Tennessee. In 2006, William, helped secure a positive outcome for hundreds of rescued dogs from a puppy mill near Nashville.

Evicted in October 2009, Cody and Jessica Manning of El Paso County, Colorado allegedly abandoned their two dogs, reportedly leaving one tied to a tree and one inside a trailer. Please take action and send a letter today supporting this case!

El Paso County, Colorado
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Two horrific cases involving the abuse and neglect of several dogs have recently come to a close, both ending with jail time for the abusers. Thank you to everyone who sent emails and supported these cases!

New bill allows veterinarians to report suspected cases of animal cruelty.

ALDF would like to recognize the contributions of State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and Assistant State Attorney Michael Von Zamft for their efforts in a brutal crime spree where 19 cats were found killed and mutilated in neighborhoods throughout Florida's Miami-Dade County.

Santa Cruz, California
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In December 2009, over 35 animals - including 19 horses and three mules - were seized by authorities from alleged neglect which reportedly included filthy and hazardous stable conditions, inadequate food and water, and failure to provide veterinary care. Paul Anthony Novicki and Rambling River Ranch owner Gina S. Rapuano of New Haven, Connecticut are now facing a total of 33 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, with Ms. Rapuano additionally facing multiple felony counts of forgery and evidence-tampering. The animals have since been forfeited over to authorities and are recovering.

New Haven, Connecticut
Case Closed

Bob Barker may best be known as the beloved host of the longest running TV game show in history. But "The Price is Right" host is also a long-time advocate for animals and is the keynote speaker at Animal Legal Defense Fund's "Future of Animal Law" conference on April 9-11 at Harvard Law School.

An amicus curiae brief permits a non-party to offer its view of a case, typically premised on either its interest in the outcome or its expertise in the field. The Animal Legal Defense Fund submits amicus briefs in a wide variety of cases, working to advance the interests of animals by urging courts to recognize their own interests and their special value to humans.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?" Dr. King devoted his life’s work to causes of social justice and equality. In August 1994, the King Holiday and Service Act designated the King Holiday as a national day of volunteer service. Instead of taking a day off, Americans are challenged each year to celebrate Dr. King's legacy by giving back to their community. So on January 18, please support the Animal Legal Defense Fund in its efforts to end animal suffering and abuse.

Some excellent articles discussing animal law issues have been hitting news stands lately, from pet custody to puppy mills. Here a few stories to check out.

More than 100 live and 150 dead Chihuahuas removed from property

The nightmare began in November 2008 after Glynn Johnson, an assistant fire chief with Los Angeles County, allegedly punched Karley, a six-month-old puppy, with a closed fist repeatedly and then beat her with an 11-inch rock, cracking her skull in three places, breaking her jaw, crushing her nasal cavity, collapsing her ear canal and causing her to lose an eye. Authorities charged Johnson with felony animal cruelty for an assault witnesses say was unprovoked. Johnson's trial begins today.

On April 2, 2010, Glynn Johnson, a former L.A. County assistant fire chief, was sentenced to 90 days in jail for beating Karley, a mixed breed shepherd puppy, so viciously that she had to be euthanized.

John Crosby expressed in a December 2009 news interview that he could not afford to take the dog to a veterinarian, and was unaware of the local prohibition against tethering. The dog was given over to Savannah/Chatham County Animal Control by Ms. Lam, but ultimately did not survive. John Crosby has been charged with tethering and animal neglect.

Chatham County, Georgia
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Vermont Supreme Court hears arguments on the "value" of animal companions.

Earlier this year, I wrote an article for O, The Oprah Magazine about 300 dogs who were rescued from an abusive hoarding situation in Sanford, North Carolina. The dogs lived in horrible conditions, and the rescue involved an innovative legal fight staged by the California-based Animal Legal Defense Fund.

Sutter County, California
Case Closed

Thanks to ALDF supporters, this puppy has a warm, loving home this holiday season.

Once starved and neglected, Casey is now thriving.

Max can now play, cuddle and catnap without fear.

Podcasts are now available of Animal Law: The Links, The Animal Law Conference at Lewis & Clark, hosted by the Center for Animal Law Studies and the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund at Lewis & Clark Law School.

While animal hoarding is usually presented in the context of cats and dogs, it is not uncommon for farm animals to be victimized by this type of abuse. Indeed, given the rural, often remote locations chosen by animal hoarders, and the added demands of large animal care requirements, discovery and intervention in these cases is all the more challenging for humane agents.

Harrison County, Ohio
Act now!

I finally made it to my first animal law conference! After almost two years as ALDF's media relations associate, I felt it was time to schmooze with the who's who of animal law. Hosted by The Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark, in collaboration with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, it's the longest running animal law conference in the nation.

Following a three hour deliberation yesterday, a Carter County jury found Antonio Ray not guilty of animal cruelty. The defense had presented the argument that Ray did not realize he was dragging his dog behind his bicycle for approximately 1/4 mile.

Mention the word "bestiality" and you'll likely elicit one of two responses: kindergartner-like snickering, or horror. ALDF works to raise awareness of the problem so we can attack it with criminal consequences.

Taboo as a subject to be sure, sexual crimes against animals are not exceptional, isolated incidents. Find out which states have no direct prohibitions against the sexual assault of an animal and examples of past cases.

Today's the day!! Between now and 3 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, October 27, ALDF is making the push to win the America's Giving Challenge daily $1,000 challenge, in honor of a pit bull in Oklahoma allegedly dragged to his death behind a bicycle - his abuser's trial is on Tuesday!!

It is exceedingly rare to hear anything positive regarding animals and Kentucky law. Yet despite the continuing legal and political morass surrounding the state's animal protection laws, we are happy to commend the prosecutors of Kenton County who were the first to successfully utilize the only animal protection law strengthened in Kentucky last year, when they recently secured a felony conviction against a man charged with stabbing to death two cats.

Late in the evening of October 11, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger opted to veto AB 243, a bill that provides broader forfeiture options for animals seized in animal abuse cases, as well as mandating post-conviction possession ban orders (no owning, maintaining, having custody of, residing with, or caring for any animal) for people convicted of animal cruelty, neglect or abandonment.

Happy anniversary, Edgar - I shall rub your softball shaped head, give you another cookie and dote on you some more. I can think of no better way to celebrate our time together.

The Supreme Court heard oral argument on Tuesday ...

The impact of the Federal District Court's (Western District of Kentucky) memorandum opinion in Louisville Kennel Club v. Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government isn't as bad as you might think from reading the web traffic on this case.

On September 18, over 125 human guests, and about 70 of their dogs, enjoyed an evening of music, dancing, food and fun aboard Watermark's Harbor Queen in Annapolis, Maryland.

How often have you heard the phrase, "the Government has unlimited resources with which to pursue a criminal case?" Defense loyal lobbyists commonly use this rhetoric to secure increased budgets for indigent criminal defense. However, while this statement may be true in a select few celebrated federal cases, nothing could be further from the truth in the vast majority of criminal prosecutions, particularly in the state court system.

I recently listened to a podcast on Scout's House Radio entitled, "The Making of Special Needs Pets." In the interview, ALDF's Chief Outside Litigation Counsel Bruce Wagman discussed how humans create special needs companions - special needs companions like Maggie, who, at the age of two, was too fearful to play.

A big part of the Animal Legal Defense Fund's work is to act as voice for animals in the political process. We provide resources to help advocates contact their elected officials and suggest guidelines for strategically working with them to help animals. We draft model laws on all sorts of animal related issues, providing lawmakers who want to take up the cause of animal protection with strong foundations for proposing legislation.

AB 243 has cleared the California Legislature and now awaits Governor Schwarzenegger's signature. ALDF provided research and advice to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office (who championed the proposal) on the drafting of the bill - a process which began more than a year ago.

Victims of North Carolina Animal Hoarders Celebrate New Life with Maryland Adoptive Families

Jennifer from the United States Equine Rescue League recently sent us these wonderful pictures of Gracie kicking up her heals while her mom Lacy has a bite to eat. Gracie is three months old now and, according to Jennifer, she's growing like a weed.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced today that Dearborn, Michigan dog hoarder Kenneth Lang Jr is being charged with two counts of cruelty to 10 or more animals, after more than 100 live and approximately 150 dead Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes were removed from the filthy home this past July.

ALDF grant allows for necropsies of Chihuahuas found in Michigan man's freezer.

ALDF Attorney Dana Campbell is headed to Daytona Beach, Florida for more than just fun in the sun. On September 14, she will be training the Daytona Beach Police Department how to spot dogfighting operations.

On the evening of September 18, 2009, two winners will be drawn in the "Reaching for the Stars" Raffle benefitting the Animal Legal Defense Fund. What are the prizes you ask?

Animal hoarding is very difficult to prevent, but it can be stopped. Contact your state legislators today and ask them to support a "First Strike and You're Out" law for those who are convicted of animal neglect or cruelty.

When ALDF discovered a chimpanzee named Barney in a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-licensed roadside zoo, he was languishing in solitary confinement on the cement floor of a cage. Deprived of companionship and veterinary care, he suffered from severe psychological and physical distress until he escaped from his cage and was shot and killed by a zoo employee.

Join us as we celebrate our 30th anniversary!

Volusia County, Florida
Case Closed
Take Action! Support ALDF's First Strike and You're Out law!

On Tuesday, the Animal Legal Defense Fund was back in court fighting for the eight horses who were severely neglected by Robert and Rebecca Collier of Marion, Indiana.

I write today to express my deep gratitude to Representatives Sara Gelser and Brad Witt for sponsoring a very important bill on behalf of yours truly and ALDF, namely House Bill 2529. HB 2529 does a number of good things for animals.

Allison Dinsmore, a middle school teacher in Palm Beach County, Florida, is facing felony charges of animal cruelty for allegedly abandoning her two cats for weeks, leaving them to die horrible deaths by starvation in her apartment. Send a polite letter to State Attorney Michael F. McAuliffe, thanking him for his work to date on the case and encouraging a strong and meaningful sentence upon conviction.

Rescued horse Diva recently gave birth to a healthy baby girl! Mimi is as beautiful and sweet as her mother. Both are doing well.

Support ALDF's Annual Fund Drive today!

What are you doing to create the change animals need?

Facing over 90 criminal charges of animal cruelty related to animal hoarding, Wanda Oughton pleaded guilty to one criminal count of animal cruelty and was ordered to pay over $35,000 in restitution and fines.

Veterinarians could face penalities for reporting animal cruelty.

Watch a video of the new foal, who was named "Gracie" by ALDF supporters, take her first steps.

Lawsuit Coincides with Rescue Group's Fight to Prevent the Return of the Eight Horses to the Marion Man Charged with Abusing Them

ALDF helps prosecutor in animal/domestic abuse case

The case of Max the cat is a milestone for animal rights.

Two misdemeanor counts of animals cruelty against Christopher M. Comins have been upgraded to the felony level. A hearing date has been continued until June 26, 2009. Locals are encouraged to support the prosecution and attend the court proceedings.

Attending court proceedings for criminal animal abuse cases is a great way to demonstrate that your community cares about animal protection and expects zero tolerance for animal cruelty.

The recent case of Cheyenne Cherry, a 17 year old girl who reportedly confessed unapologetically for having tortured and killed a kitten by putting her in a hot oven, has garnered well-deserved outrage from across the nation.

U.S. Supreme Court will directly address the issue of animal cruelty.

Morris County, New Jersey
Case Closed
Take Action! Support ALDF's First Strike and You're Out law!

Send a polite letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service asking them to permanently revoke Michael Sargeant's Class B license.

The Michael Vick case made headlines around the nation - and around the globe - but as we know from the number of cases reported to ALDF week after week, dogfighting is a national epidemic.

At 9 p.m. last night, Lacy, the pregnant mare who was close to death when she was rescued from a North Carolina field, gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl. Both mother and daughter are doing great.

Give prosecutors the tools to go after dogfighters like Michael Vick.

Although animal fighting is illegal in all 50 states, the Animal Legal Defense Fund is working to make such crimes easier to prosecute and punishable by stronger penalties.