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The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s mission is to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.
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Bill Banning Private Possession of Big Cats Reintroduced in House of Representatives
The Big Cat Public Safety Act would help end the rampant abuse of tigers and other big cats in captivity

Animal Exploiter: Robert Sawmiller
For years, captive wild animals have suffered in the care of traveling zoo operator Robert Sawmiller

Animals Rescued and Removed from Wildlife Trafficker and Exhibitor
Sawmiller conducted business under the name Wildlife on Wheels, which included breeding and exhibiting wild animals while running a puppy mill

House Votes to Ban Private Possession of Big Cats
The Big Cat Public Safety Act prohibits private possession of tigers, lions, and other big cats to prevent animal cruelty and protect the public

Lawsuit Challenges USDA Redaction of Geese Culling Contract
Lawsuit alleges the concealment of expected number and payment per bird slaughtered is illegal

New White Paper Offers Policy Recommendations to Combat Zoonotic Diseases and Pandemic Risk from Factory Farming
The Animal Legal Defense Fund asserts industrial animal agriculture harms humans, animals and the environment — and serves as breeding ground for pathogens

Congratulations to the 2020 Student Chapters of the Year!
The Student Chapter of the Year Award celebrates chapters that have shown amazing efforts in advancing the field of animal law

Lawsuit Filed Against USDA For Lack of Transparency into Inspection Process of Primate Research Facilities
USDA failed to issue a timely response following request for information about consistency and thoroughness of inspections

Lawsuit Filed After Investigation Exposes Animal Cruelty at Dairy Farmers of America Supplier
Video shows malicious acts of violence toward cows, gross neglect of calves

Kate Mara and the Animal Legal Defense Fund Expose Animal Cruelty at Dairy Farm
Dairy Farmers of America supplier caught on video, prompting lawsuit
Related
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Court Allows Lawsuit Against FDA to Proceed
The United States District Court for the Northern District of California ruled in favor of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and its co-plaintiffs, denying an attempt by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to dismiss a lawsuit against the agency.February 23, 2021 Press Release -
Courtroom Animal Advocate Program Bill Passes New Jersey Senate
A Courtroom Animal Advocate Program (CAAP) bill, S.2868/A.4533, which would allow law students and volunteer lawyers to advocate for animal victims in cruelty criminal cases, unanimously passed the New Jersey Senate. The bill is sponsored by Senator Nicholas Scutari and Assemblyman Raj Mukherji and endorsed by the Animal Legal Defense Fund.February 19, 2021 Press Release -
State Animal Protection Laws Ranked: Maine is #1, New Mexico #50
The Animal Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s preeminent legal advocacy organization for animals, has released the 15th annual year-end U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report (2020), ranking the animal protection laws of all 50 states.February 17, 2021 Press Release