Litigation – List of Cases

Filing High Impact Lawsuits that Expand the Protections for Animals Under the Law

The Litigation Program files high-impact lawsuits against individuals and industries that exploit animals, including factory farms, puppy mills, research laboratories, and roadside zoos. We litigate cases in state and federal courts with the goal of stopping abusive practices and setting ground-breaking precedent that will establish justice for animals in the legal system. In addition to suing animal abusers, we often sue state and federal governments and agencies to invalidate laws and regulations that harm animals; and we intervene in litigation to defend animal protection laws when they are under siege from industries that abuse animals.

Captive Animals

Challenging the USDA License Renewal of Yellowstone Bear World for Violating the Animal Welfare Act

Animal Legal Defense Fund v. USDA

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against USDA and APHIS for issuing an Animal Welfare Act exhibitor’s license to Yellowstone Bear World despite the facility’s known violations of federal and state law.

Animals Used in Research

Challenging the USDA’s Secret Policy on Laboratory Inspections

Rise for Animals v. USDA

The agency that oversees the care and conditions of animals in research facilities said it wouldn’t outsource AWA inspections to private organizations after facing public outcry against the proposal. Then it implemented such a policy in secret.

Farmed Animals

Challenging Holden Farms Cruelty and Garbage Feeding Via False Claims Lawsuit

Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Holden Farms

Lawsuit alleges violations of the federal Swine Health Protection Act, Minnesota Anti-Garbage feeding law, and Minnesota Anti-Cruelty Law.

Animals Used in Research

Krasno v. Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit on behalf of a former employee of one of UW-Madison’s primate research labs, who has been prevented from posting truthful comments on the school’s otherwise public Instagram and Facebook posts because they are critical of the university’s storied history of animal testing.

Challenging the USDA to Provide FOIA Documents Related to the Beef Checkoff Program

Farmed Animals

ALDF v. USDA and AMS

The Animal Legal Defense Fund and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its agency, the Agricultural Marketing Service, under the Freedom of Information Act, to compel the disclosure of records concerning AMS’ oversight of the Beef Checkoff program.

Captive Animals

Urging FWS Not to Rescind Regulatory Definition of ‘Harm’ Under the Endangered Species Act

Submitted comments against proposed rule on May 19, 2025

Companion Animals

Challenging a Florida Kitten Breeder’s Cruelty and Fraud

Rozetti v. Adorable Stars

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against Orlando-based kitten breeder and seller, Adorable Stars, for practicing veterinary medicine without a license, animal cruelty and neglect, and contract and tort claims.

Farmed Animals

Challenging Tillamook’s Deceptive Advertising

Barnes v. Tillamook

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the Tillamook County Creamery Association for its misrepresentations about the source of its milk and the conditions in which the company’s cows live.

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Litigation – List of Cases

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