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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Coalition Files Lawsuit Challenging Iowa’s Second Unconstitutional Ag-Gag Law
Today, a coalition of public interest groups, led by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Iowa’s new Ag-Gag law — a law that is substantively similar to an Iowa law struck down by the same federal court.April 22, 2019 Press Release -
Music Icon Tanya Tucker Speaks Out Against Special Memories Roadside Zoo
Award-winning music icon Tanya Tucker is joining forces with the Animal Legal Defense Fund to urge families to avoid roadside zoos. After a recent visit to Special Memories Zoo, Tucker was so disturbed by the conditions, she felt compelled to stand up.April 9, 2019 Press Release -
Join Tanya Tucker and Speak Out Against Wisconsin Roadside Zoo
Join Tanya and the Animal Legal Defense Fund by sending a brief message to the USDA, urging the agency to investigate Special Memories Zoo today.April 9, 2019 Action Alert
Related Cases
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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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Ending Intensive Confinement in California
Prop 12 – public vote
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Challenging FSA’s Medium-sized CAFO Exemptions
Dakota Rural Action v. United States Department of Agriculture
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