Wildlife
Animals need access to the full range of their habitats.
Wild animals enjoy few legal protections under either state or local laws.
At both the state and federal level, the key laws protecting wildlife are those governing when and where hunting is permitted. Some states have also begun to prosecute people who commit acts of cruelty against wild animals.
A handful of other federal wildlife laws are in effect. These include the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. But these laws protect only a small number of animals, and even for these animals the protections are not robust.
Wild animals experience pain and pleasure just the same as the dogs and cats who share our homes, and who enjoy far more expansive legal protections. Wild animals also play a key role in our environment and ecosystem. And they are affected by all facets of human behavior: where we build, and what we do on developed land.
Factory farming not only affects the lives of the nine billion animals a year who are raised for food, but also the wild animals who drink from bodies of water and live on the land polluted by these agricultural activities.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund is dedicated to pursuing better legal protection for wildlife.
End Wildlife Services’ War on Wildlife
Millions of native wild animals, including coyotes, mountain lions, and bears, are targeted and killed by Wildlife Services. Tell Wildlife Services to stop using your tax dollars to slaughter animals by signing our petition.
Related Cases
-
Urging NPS to Implement Plan to Conserve Native Tule Elk Population
Submitted comments in response to NPS request on Aug. 25, 2023
-
Urging FWS to Create a Robust Permitting and Enforcement Scheme to Protect Migratory Birds and Eagles used in Exhibition
Submitted comments in response to FWS request on July 3, 2023
Looking for case and legal resources? View Resources
See MoreRelated News
-
Octopus Farming Ban Introduced in California
Bill will ensure that octopus farms, and the inherent risks that come with them, are not allowed in CaliforniaFebruary 20, 2024 Press Release -
Effective Advocacy: Which Strategies Work Better?
Learn about which advocacy strategies may work better and how to increase your influence on animal-friendly legislation -
New York Ends Wildlife Killing Contests
State becomes the 10th in the U.S. to ban inhumane competitions for killing native wildlife.January 5, 2024 News