Animal Legal Defense Fund Represents Farmed Animal Sanctuaries Who Rescued Almost 4,500 Birds

Roadside Zoo Allowed to Subject Bear and Other Animals to Inhumane Conditions Despite Repeated Violations of Welfare Laws

Last year, "Windchill's Law" was introduced in the Wisconsin Senate, but it fizzled as the legislative session ended. In a continued effort to strengthen animal abuse laws, state legislators are trying to revive the bill during the current legislative session.

An estimated 50,000 chickens were found starving on a Stanislaus County farm after they were left without feed for over two weeks. Homes are needed for surviving hens, who will be ready for adoption in a week or two. Please visit Animal Place's adoption page if you can help.

Meet National Justice for Animals Week's mascot Teagan, a little German shepherd who endured a life of severe neglect and abuse before she was miraculously rescued.

Help the Animal Legal Defense Fund expose animal abusers by making a special year-end donation toward our work to protect animals from repeat abuse and win justice for animal victims.

In August 2011, the University of Pennsylvania was issued an official warning letter for its "failure to establish programs of adequate veterinary care" for some of its research animals.

So reads the headline of one of the many news stories on the trial and sentencing of Diane Eldrup who operated a "shelter & boarding facility" in Deer Park, IL, named "Muddy Paws."

Kern County, California
Case Closed

Veterinarians play an integral role in the fight against animal cruelty. Download ALDF's quick reference guide for state by state information regarding veterinarians' duty to report suspected animal cruelty.

Saving one animal may not change the world, but it will surely change the world for that one animal.

Have you witnessed an elephant being neglected, harmed, or mistreated in any way on a California movie set in the past year?

Patrick's plight moves many to action.

For those who practice animal law, a persistent debate rages on: of the many options available, which legal path is the best course to take to improve the plight of animals in the United States?

The veterinarian told us Justin was rescued "just in time" after the Suffolk County, New York SPCA removed him from a foreclosed house in May 2010 where he was left abandoned with no food or water. Justin at the time of his rescueWeighing only 19 pounds, he was a skeleton with skin.

Today's daily action for National Justice for Animals Week is: suggest a caption for the recent photo of Justin, the week's official mascot.

Joshua Crain has been an Assistant District Attorney General in McMinnville, Tennessee, since July 2005. Joshua has aggressively prosecuted several animal abuse cases, three of which have made their way into Circuit Court.

Deschutes County Sheriff Larry Blanton has been in law enforcement in Oregon for more than 30 years. Sheriff Blanton was instrumental in creating the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office 23-acre Livestock Rescue & Shelter, a facility dedicated to caring for large animals seized in criminal cruelty cases.

Jamie Contreras is currently Assistant Attorney General in the appellate division with the Oregon Department of Justice in Salem, Oregon. She is working on a potentially precedent-setting cruelty case appeal, in which she is arguing that the court should recognize that abused animals are indeed individual "victims."

Deputy Lindsey Evans works with the Umatilla County Sheriff's office in Pendleton, Oregon. Recently, Deputy Evans prepared a painstaking police report in a nightmarish animal neglect case. Without her diligence at the horrific crime scene, there is a good chance prosecutors could not have moved forward with criminal charges.

Several criticisms were created by the sentence imposed by Plymouth County, Massachusetts District Court Judge Beverly Cannone in the Heidi Erickson animal neglect case.

ALDF grant aids sheriff's animal rescue

Authorities charged Martha Montgomery of Randolph County, North Carolina with felony and misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty after seizing three horses due to alleged neglect in December 2010.

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

Kentucky, North Dakota, Idaho, Mississippi and Iowa are the five best states in the country to be an animal abuser, according to a new report released by the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

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

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.

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

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

Please contact the zoos in your state and ask them to document their policies on "animal loans" for you.

Crucial Legal Victory Awarded in Animal Legal Defense Fund's Case to Secure Horses' Permanent Safety from their Abuser

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.

Due to South Dakota's consistent low rating in ALDF's annual State Animal Protection Laws Rankings, I read with interest a June 23, 2010 opinion that came down from the Supreme Court of South Dakota: State v. Fifteen Impounded Cats. While the Court's ultimate ruling is a desirable one, I take issue with the underlying reasoning used to get there.

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.

Clinton County, New York
Case Closed

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.

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!

Make a special Mother's Day gift to ALDF and honor all moms!

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.

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

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.

Animal neglect is the failure to provide basic care required for an animal to thrive. This document contains information about federal and state law, county/city ordinances, resources and case studies.

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.

In 2007, Dr. Grant Miller founded the Sonoma County CHANGE Program, a 501c(3) corporation in California that provides support services to the Sonoma County Animal Control department in cases of horse neglect, abandonment and abuse.

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

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.

Santa Cruz, California
Case Closed

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.

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

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

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.

I used to dread the holiday season. Like many people, I allowed myself to be burdened with obligations that felt overwhelming. I've let go of a lot of those obligations and in recent years, I've begun to concentrate more on what the spiritual meaning of the season is.

Why are certain states in the dog house when it comes to getting tough on animal abuse?

ALDF releases annual report ranking animal cruelty laws across the nation.

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.

Once starved and neglected, Casey is now thriving.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Matthew Liebman, ALDF's staff attorney, and Bruce Wagman, ALDF's chief outside litigation counsel, were back in court yesterday fighting for Groucho, a horse rescued from a North Carolina field where he and seven other horses were left to starve. Bruce and Matthew visited Groucho at his temporary foster home and Bruce gives us this report.

The story of the Woodley case is beautifully told by journalist, Barry Yeoman and for the first time, millions of people will get an introduction to the gut wrenching, long term suffering that the victims of animal hoarding undergo.

At a hearing today, the court granted the Equine Rescue League's petition and ordered Simpson to pay $1,831, which reflects the cost of nursing Groucho back to health.

Check out this heartwarming tribute to the 325+ dogs rescued from North Carolina hoarders Barbara and Robert Woodley. In its June issue, O, the Oprah Magazine, catches up with a crew of the case's spunkiest survivors.