Opposing USDA’s Attempt to Withdraw Rules Design to Protect Animals on Organic Farms
National Organic Coalition v Purdue
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.
Next Step
Motion for Summary Judgement
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 parties are currently briefing the motion to dismiss and will then await a decision from the court.
No federal laws govern the condition in which farmed animals are raised and most state anti-cruelty laws exempt farmed animals.
Recent News
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Lawsuit Challenges Constitutionality of Arkansas Ag-Gag Law
Advocates for animals, free speech and the environment take on secrecy at factory farms following victories in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and IowaJune 25, 2019 Press Release -
Texas – Urge Texas House of Representatives to Oppose Ag-Gag Bill
A dangerous bill, SB 1884, aimed at stopping whistleblowers from exposing animal cruelty is moving quickly through the Texas legislature. This bill has already passed the Texas Senate – your voice is urgently needed to prevent it from becoming law. -
Texas – Urge House Agriculture & Livestock Committee Members to Reject Ag-Gag bill
Please call (preferred) or email your representative and ask them to oppose SB 1884 – a dangerous bill aimed at stopping whistleblowers from exposing animal cruelty. This bill has already passed the Texas Senate – your voice is urgently needed!
Related Cases
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Challenging Arkansas’s Ag-Gag Law
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Peco Foods, Inc. and Prayer Creek Farm
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Urging Humboldt County, CA to Terminate Contract with Wildlife-Killing Federal Agency
Letter sent on April 30, 2019
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Challenging Iowa’s Ag-Gag 2.0 Law
Animal Legal Defense Fund, et al. v. Kimberly Reynolds, et al.
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