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.

Companion Animals

Urging Iowa Attorney General to Investigate Midwest Puppy Mill Broker for Violating Court Agreement

Complaint to Iowa Attorney General submitted on December 18, 2024

The Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted a complaint letter urging Iowa’s attorney general to investigate violations of a settlement agreement between the state of Iowa and JAKS Puppies, a notorious Iowa puppy mill broker owned by Jolyn Noethe and Kimberly Dolphin.

Farmed Animals

Challenging Foster Farms Slaughterhouse’s Illegal Water Use

Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Foster Poultry Farms

The Animal Legal Defense Fund sued Foster Farms, operator of a large slaughterhouse and chicken processing plant in Livingston, California, for its illegal use of vast quantities of water in violation of the California Constitution.

Farmed Animals

Challenging Tyson Foods Over Deceptive ‘Net-zero’ and ‘Climate-smart’ Beef Claims

Environmental Working Group v. Tyson Foods, Inc.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), filed a lawsuit against Tyson Foods, Inc., the second largest meat company in the U.S. and the world, accusing the company of making false or misleading marketing claims targeting D.C. consumers concerned about climate change.

Captive Animals

Challenging Tiger Creek for Violating the Endangered Species Act

ALDF v. National Foundation for Rescued Animals

The Animal Legal Defense Fund sent notice to the National Foundation for Rescued Animals, a purported animal rescue organization doing business as Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary, as well as Brian Werner Ferris and Emily Owen, for allegedly violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Farmed Animals

Challenging Texas’ Unconstitutional Label Censorship Law

Turtle Island Foods v. Abbott

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.

Companion Animals

Suing Unscrupulous Puppy Traffickers Who Knowingly Sold Sick Dogs

Jessica Loy et. al. v. Trina Kenney et. al.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the Kenney family seeking to end their deceptive marketing and sale of puppies, and to recover damages for those who were victimized by the puppy traffickers’ unscrupulous conduct.

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.

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Litigation – List of Cases

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