Opposing USDA’s Attempt to Withdraw Rules Design to Protect Animals on Organic Farms
National Organic Coalition v. Perdue
In May 2018, the Animal Legal Defense Fund joined a coalition of consumer, environmental, and animal protection groups opposing the withdrawal of rules that would provide basic protections for farmed animals at organic farms.
Status
Next Step
Awaiting final rule publication
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was scheduled to implement rules that would provide basic protections for farmed animals at organic farms — like giving hens access to the outdoors, setting maximum stocking densities for hens and chickens, and prohibiting physical mutilations across species. But after continuous delays, the USDA abandoned the rules entirely.
In May 2018, The Animal Legal Defense Fund, as part of a coalition, submitted comments to the USDA opposing the withdrawal of these rules. And when the USDA formally withdrew the rules, the Animal Legal Defense Fund joined a coalition of organizations to oppose the decision in federal court.
In June 2018, the USDA filed a motion to dismiss the suit. The lawsuit survived the motion to dismiss, and the coalition filed a second amended complaint in September 2018. Briefing summary judgment motions will likely take place in late 2020.
No federal laws govern how farmed animals are raised and most state cruelty laws exempt standard agricultural practices.
Recent News
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Complaint Urges USDA to Investigate Puppy Mill Carrier for Deaths During Transport
Records obtained by the Animal Legal Defense Fund reveal puppy deaths and injuries in transport.June 11, 2024 Press Release -
Legal Petition Urges USDA to Adopt Comprehensive Regulatory Framework for Wildlife Services Program
The Animal Legal Defense Fund, as part of a coalition, submitted a petition for rulemaking to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service urging Wildlife Services to phase out lethal control of wild animals, including prohibiting specific practices such as neck snares, M-44 cyanide bombs, lead bullets, and more.November 21, 2023 Press Release -
USDA Restricting Access to Plant-Based Milks in National School Lunch Program is Dietary Racism
Proposed rule would maintain an unnecessarily complicated and confusing process for children to get access to plant-based milkMay 11, 2023 Press Release
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