Articles Archive

Lawsuit Prompts USDA to Revoke License from Disreputable Wildlife Trafficker and Exhibitor

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cancelled notorious wildlife exhibitor and trafficker Robert Sawmiller’s license to engage in exhibition, breeding and selling activities regulated by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) following the Animal Legal Defense Fund's lawsuit against the agency for initially renewing the license.

August 5, 2021 Press Release

Precedent-Setting Victory Against Cricket Hollow Zoo for Violating Animal Cruelty Laws

The Iowa Court of Appeals ruled in favor of plaintiffs represented by the Animal Legal Defense Fund in a lawsuit against Cricket Hollow Zoo for violating state animal cruelty laws following an appeal of the court’s 2019 decision.

August 5, 2021 Press Release

Animal Law Summer School: How to Use Grassroots Advocacy to Change Local Laws to Protect Animals

Join us to learn how you can use grassroots advocacy techniques to lobby city and county governments, and pass laws to improve the welfare of animals.

Webinar

Animal Advocates Urge USDA to Withhold License from Troubled Puerto Rico Zoo

In a letter to the USDA, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and others explain the zoo has repeatedly violated standards of the Animal Welfare Act

June 2, 2021 Press Release

Animal Law Summer School: What to Do When You Witness Animal Cruelty

The hot summer months bring up an array of potential issues involving animals and their protection. Join us for the first presentation of our Animal Law Summer School series, as we explore how to be an agent of change for animals.

Webinar

U.S. Laws and the Ongoing Risk of Zoonotic Diseases: A Conversation

Join us for a round-table conversation to explore the ongoing risks as well as challenges and opportunities to preventing the next pandemic.

May 4, 2021 Webinar

Big Cat Public Safety Act Reintroduced in Senate

Bill aims to help end the rampant abuse of tigers and other big cats in captivity by banning private possession

April 20, 2021 Press Release

USDA Sued for Renewing Animal Welfare Act License of Disreputable Wildlife Trafficker and Exhibitor

Animal Legal Defense Fund challenges the renewed license for the owner of Wildlife on Wheels after evidence has revealed ongoing violations for more than a decade

March 9, 2021 Press Release

Law Student Paper Series — The Bear Necessities: Ursine Suffering Exposed, Explained, and Expelled

The United States is home to tens of thousands of bears, yet they receive little attention in comparison to other wildlife. Join Morgan Pattan, Michigan State University, as she discusses the psychological impact of captivity on bears.

Webinar

After Groundbreaking Animal Rights Ruling, Islamabad High Court Continues to Affirm Original Decision

In the months following a groundbreaking decision from the Islamabad High Court in Pakistan that animals have legal and natural rights, Chief Justice Athar Minallah issued three subsequent orders, each affirming the court’s original ruling and expressing continued interest in the animals’ well-being.

February 19, 2021 Animal Law Update