President Obama's strong statement of support for the Eagles' hiring of Michael Vick and hollow rhetoric of "giving prisoners a second chance" suggests to me and other Americans that he has blinders on about the criminal atrocities committed by Michael Vick.

Thanks to your support, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has pushed the U.S. legal system to end the suffering of abused animals for over 30 years.

Harriett, Ernie, Suzie, Kali and twelve other dogs rescued from an Independence, Kansas dogfighting operation are looking for loving families to give them a new chance at life in the new year.

Sixteen Temperament-Tested Dogs Saved from Kansas Dogfighting Ring in Need of Loving Homes

December is for many a time to practice generosity, deliberate generosity not only toward the near and the dear, but also toward the not so near -- and indeed even the not so dear. It's traditionally a time to acknowledge those who make our personal worlds go 'round, and indulge in the hopefulness which each beginning year seems to offer.

Michael Vick's federal sentence contains a three-year ban on the possession of a dog. Should it have been permanent? We at the Animal Legal Defense Fund certainly think so, but we have to recognize the jurisdictional limits inherent in our justice system.

In this Q&A session, attorney Scott Heiser, director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund's Criminal Justice Program, answers some questions and provides some clarification relating to the current debate about whether Michael Vick should be allowed to own a pet dog.

Help ALDF ensure that abusers are held accountable for their crimes by making a special year-end donation toward our work to protect animals.

As the holiday season quickly approaches, it is probably a good time to reflect on some important rules of thumb when it comes to our companion animals.

Kern County, California
Case Closed

Despite heightened public awareness, puppy mills continue to plague communities across the nation.

Help protect animals from repeat abuse and bring justice to animal victims.

So Michael Vick played a great football game for the National Football League on Monday, November 15th. So do you think that the many animals Vick abused and tortured during his reign of terror at "Bad Newz Kennels," his interstate dog fighting ring, care about his athleticism?

Kristian Dennard Jackson & Decarlos Lashawn Young pled guilty today to animal killing/torturing and arson of real property.

As the winner of ALDF's first-ever Rescue "Tails" Photo Contest, Toto is now the featured feline on ALDF's 2010 holiday card. Show your support for ALDF's work for animals as you share your season's greeting with your friends and loved ones.

Citizens Urged to Take a Stand Against Dogfighting by Attending the Hearing, Demanding Justice

Michigan: Please Attend Wayne County Court Proceeding on Wednesday Morning, November 17th

Wayne County, Michigan
Case Closed

This week ALDF filed an amicus curiae brief in Washington state's Supreme Court, arguing that the court should hear the appeal of Arnold Sather, whose dog was found to be dangerous and impounded by the City of Spokane.

Decrepit County facility brought under fire

What should be a place of refuge for homeless animals is more like a filthy prison. That's why an outraged citizen is filing a lawsuit against Clay County, Kentucky today, taking the county to task for extreme neglect of animals at the county's shelter, neglect that violates Kentucky's Humane Shelter Law.

Arizona voters rejected Proposition 109 in an effort to protect wildlife, while in Missouri, voters passed Proposition B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.

Animal Legal Defense Fund supporters Michelle and Larry Kownacki, owners of Paws pet boutique in Annapolis, Maryland and guardians of Ben, a little Jack Russell terrier who was rescued by the Animal Legal Defense Fund after a lifetime of suffering in horrific conditions by convicted animal abuser Barbara Woodley, are throwing a party on 11/11--with a goal of raising $11,000 for ALDF!

Donate before November 30th and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar!

After receiving more than 100 entries in our first ever Rescue "Tails" Photo Contest, and more than 2,500 votes on our five finalists, the Animal Legal Defense Fund is thrilled to announce our winner--Toto!

Were you ever that passionate? Were you ever that hopeful?

Prop B will ask voters whether to enact a new set of laws that would greatly expand regulations on dog breeders.

1.5 Million New Yorkers and their Animals Will Have More Protection from Repeat Offenders

Cast your vote between now and October 31st!

A wave of loud cheers and clapping erupting inside El Paso City Hall on Tuesday, October 5, as El Paso, Texas joined the growing list of cities across the U.S. that have committed to reducing pet euthanasia rates and animal cruelty by regulating local pet stores.

Nation's first animal abuser registry could be just around the corner.

This November, Missouri voters will have the opportunity to change the state's reputation as being the "puppy mill capital of the United States."

It's time for the U.S. Senate to act on anti-crush legislation. Contact your Senators today and ask them to support S. 3841!

New Jersey is considering S539, a state law that would strengthen the penalties associated with the crime of dogfighting and enable prosecutors to charge dogfighting ringleaders under New Jersey's RICO ("Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations") statute.

On August 31, 2010, the California Assembly voted to defeat SB 250, the "Pet Responsibility Act," ending longstanding efforts to pass the law, at least for the rest of this legislative session.

We want to see photos of YOUR rescued animals!

GazetteXtra.com reports that because a Milton, WI, man has been accused of shooting a dog with a bow and arrow for essentially no reason at all, a state legislator has proposed a tougher law against pet assaults, making the type of crime allegedly committed a felony in the future, instead of a misdemeanor.

Suffolk County lawmakers have proposed a county registry that will keep animals away from abusers. If the law passes, Suffolk County will be the first municipality in the nation to have an Animal Abuser Registry.

Please send a letter to your senators and representatives through ALDF's website and ask them to join Senators Menendez, Durbin, and Lieberman and ALDF in amending this regulation to ensure accurate reporting about the real risks to animals shipped in cargo holds.

Your call can help stem the travesty of the 500,000+ companion animals that are euthanized every year in California. SB 250 -- the Pet Responsibility Act -- is now ready for a final assembly vote and your Assemblymember needs to hear from you today!

Current Regulations Ignore Deaths, Injuries to Animals Shipped by Puppy Mill Operators

Write a polite letter to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services to oppose parole for this dogfighter, who is responsible for the suffering of many innocent animals in this violent bloodsport.

Charleston County, South Carolina
Case Closed

ALDF Urges City to Reduce Pet Overpopulation and Protect Consumers and Animals from Cruel Puppy Mills by Banning Retail Pet Sales

Check out ALDF's video about the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars and suggestions for what you can do in your community to protect dogs from becoming "hot car" victims.

So I just returned from the Taking Action for Animals Conference in D.C. and have to say that one of the things that I enjoyed most was the banquet performance by Hal Sparks.

In May 2010, at the Clinton County, New York home of Michael Malpass, police discovered six dead animals along with eighteen cats and three dogs suffering from severe neglect in conditions so filthy that the house was condemned.

Here's a fun and easy way to raise awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering companion animals -- order a California "Spay & Neuter" license plate!

Clinton County, New York
Case Closed

Despite a $22 million public investment in a new state-of-the-art animal shelter, Sacramento County's animals are now at great risk. Two years of County budget cuts have meant a 40-percent reduction in animal care staff and limited public hours for reuniting lost pets with their families and adopting out homeless animals. And it could get worse.

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.).

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

Sophie lost her battle to cancer last week. I miss her terribly, I miss her blue eyes following me everywhere, I miss her nudging me at the end of the day after everyone else in the house has gotten their needs met and have long gone to bed.

Campaign Follows Animal Legal Defense Fund's Lawsuits Challenging Inhumane Conditions at County Shelters

Celebrated actress Ashley Judd, known as much for her smarts as her gorgeous looks (she's currently a graduate student at Harvard), has a big heart for animals, too.

Many Kentucky county shelters are treating the animals in their care with reckless disregard for the suffering that they are causing. Sign ALDF's petition today!

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

MINE the movie DVDs now available

Movie explores Hurricane Katrina's impact on animals and their guardians

Contact your legislators, print posters, educate the public.

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

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?

Tune in to the Genesis Awards on Animal Planet this weekend to catch Barry Yeoman, author of "Operation Rescue," an in-depth account of the ALDF v. Woodley case, win an award for his outstanding article published in O, The Oprah Magazine.

What the Court's decision means for animals.

I was not able to attend last weekend's sold-out Future of Animal Law Conference, despite having planned on it for months. You know what they say about the best laid plans. Unfortunately, my dog Alec suddenly became very ill last week. When I took him to the emergency hospital, they discovered he was bleeding internally from a mass on his spleen that had ruptured.

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.

China Considers First Comprehensive Animal Protection Law

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
Case Closed

New law to protect "puppy-mill" dogs in effect and improved pet-related legislation one step closer to becomeing law.

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.

For the past decade, Katie Bray has dedicated her spare time to animal welfare and rescue work on the ground. Now, as a law student, she is arming herself with the knowledge and skills to defend animal interests in the legal system.

On February 23, 2010, the Iowa Senate passed a "puppy mill" bill designed to improve the conditions for dogs and cats at commercial breeding facilities. The bill, House File 2280, passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 41 to 9.

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.

Raj Prasad has been an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney at the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office since 2005. Raj co-founded the office's Animal Protection Unit (APU) in 2008 with APA Amy Slameka. The APU has achieved a 98% conviction rate.

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.

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.

I had the honor of helping assist in the final stages of drafting a proposed statutory amendment in Illinois that has been introduced in the house as House Bill 5772, and in the Senate as Senate Bill 3594. The bill is referred to as the Dogs and Cats Disclosures Bill.

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
Case Closed

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, I hope that you will join me in celebrating our furriest family members, these creatures who bring us so much love and goodwill, so many moments of laughter and a deeper understanding of them and ourselves.

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!

City urged to protect consumers and animals from cruel puppy mills with first of its kind ban.

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

Santa Cruz, California
Case Closed

Change.org has launched their Ideas for Change in America 2010‏ competition, and your vote is needed to win better rights for animals!

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.

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
Case Closed