Legal Resources
Share this page
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.
No results found.
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.
No results found.
Other Resources
What To Do When Animal Cruelty Laws Have Been Broken
If you witness the abuse or neglect of an animal, please immediately file a formal written complaint with the local law enforcement agency.
Animal Hoarding Facts
Hoarding is one of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty, affecting tens of thousands of animals – mostly cats and dogs – in communities nationwide.
Victim Impact Statements in Cases of Animal Cruelty
A majority of states guarantee you the right, either by statute or state constitutional amendment, to submit a Victim Impact Statement as part of a criminal case against someone who injured or killed your animal.
Veterinarians’ Role in Reporting Animal Cruelty
Veterinarians and other veterinary professionals play an integral and critical role in the fight against animal cruelty.
The Crime of Bestiality/Zoophilia: Sexual Assault of an Animal
Taboo as a subject to be sure, sexual crimes against animals are not exceptional, isolated incidents. The case facts run a wide range.
Charging Considerations in Criminal Animal Abuse Cases
Prosecutors understand that their communities have a compelling interest in preventing animal cruelty, and they take seriously their role in bringing animal abusers to justice.
Attending a Criminal Court Proceeding
Attending court proceedings for criminal animal abuse cases is a great way to demonstrate that your community cares about animal protection and expects zero tolerance for animal cruelty.
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.