Legal Resources
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The Animal Legal Defense Fund provides these resources to help you learn how animal protection laws function within the legal system.
Animals and the Law
The field of animal law is complex. Use these articles as a guide to understand the fundamentals.
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What You Can Do
Do you need help with a specific legal situation involving an animal? Our guides below are provided with that end in mind.
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Other Resources
Establishing a Trust for Your Animals
The Animal Legal Defense Fund has helped craft new guidelines that specifically validate enforceable trusts for nonhuman animals.
What To Do When You Witness Animal Cruelty
It can be disturbing — and heartbreaking — to witness an act of animal cruelty. Whether it be an acute act of violence or chronic neglect, find out what you can do when you witness animal cruelty.
Find Your Elected Officials
Elected officials want to hear from you. This is an easy way to look up your elected officials and their contact information.
Working with Legislators
Animals can’t vote, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a voice in the political process. You can give animals that voice! This advocacy toolkit will walk you through the basics of how to lobby for pro-animal legislation.
Your Experience and Knowledge May Qualify You as an Expert Witness
The federal rules of evidence, which govern the introduction of evidence in proceedings in federal court, state that an individual can qualify as an expert witness based on her knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education.
The Legal Process In The United States: A Criminal Case
This summary is a general overview about criminal cases. It covers the key stages and will briefly explain what might happen in court.
Young Advocate Action Kit
You can be an advocate for animals at any age. Check out ideas of how you can get involved.
Egg Labeling Regulations Guide
Americans care about animals. That is why, more and more, consumers are demanding better treatment for animals raised for food: including egg laying chickens.
Ways to Give
Since 1979, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has been the leader in the fight to win animals the legal protection they so desperately need—and deserve. Your generous support is vital to our continued success.