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.
Recent News
-
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 -
Animal Legal Defense Fund Urges USDA to Strengthen Regulations for Handling and Exhibiting Wild and Exotic Animals
Recommendations aim to decrease risk of zoonotic disease spread, animal escapes and attacks, and psychological and physical harm to the animalsApril 11, 2023 Press Release
Related Cases
-
Urging USDA to Revoke AWA Exhibitor License from Jason Clay (2024)
Complaint to USDA submitted on February 27, 2024
-
Lawsuit to Force USDA to Recognize Its Authority to Take Possession of Animals Upon License Revocation
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. USDA
Looking for case and legal resources? View Resources
See More