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

Lawsuit Against Barbour County for Violating State Animal Control Law

Klein v. Barbour County Commission

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against Barbour County, Alabama, to compel the county to abide by a state law requiring the county to maintain a pound for the holding of dogs, cats and ferrets, and to employ an impounding officer.

Wildlife

Challenging Federal Government’s Waiver of Environmental Laws to Build Border Wall

Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Kirstjen M. Nielsen

A coalition of public interest groups challenged the federal government’s waiver of dozens of environmental, health and safety laws related to construction of a U.S. – Mexico border wall in parts of California impacting thousands of animals.

Companion Animals

Challenging the Sale of Puppy Mill Dogs – Barkworks Class Action

Chelsea Vancleve v Chien Et Chat, Inc.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a class action lawsuit against pet store chain Barkworks, on behalf of puppy purchasers harmed by the company’s illegal and deceptive practices in selling puppy mill dogs.

Captive Animals

Ben the Bear Caged at Roadside Zoo in North Carolina

Ray v. Jambbas Ranch Tours

The Animal Legal Defense Fund sued a roadside zoo in Fayetteville, North Carolina to free Ben the Bear.

Farmed Animals

Challenging Utah’s Ag-Gag Law

Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Gary Herbert

The Animal Legal Defense Fund brought a lawsuit challenging Utah’s Ag-Gag law and the United States District Court of Utah declared the statute unconstitutional.

Farmed Animals

Challenging Trader Joe’s Misleading Egg Carton Labeling

Carolyn Claybaugh v. Trader Joe’s Co.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Trader Joe’s Company on behalf of a Trader Joe’s egg purchaser, seeking to stop Trader Joe’s from deceptively labeling its cage-free eggs and misleading consumers seeking eggs.

Captive Animals

Endangered Species Act Challenge Regarding Lolita the Orca

PETA v Miami Seaquarium

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the Miami Seaquarium in federal court, arguing that the inhumane conditions in which an orca named Lolita were being kept violated the Endangered Species Act.

Farmed Animals

Defense of Chicago’s Foie Gras Ban

Illinois Restaurant Association v. City of Chicago

In 2008, the Animal Legal Defense Fund drafted an amicus curiae brief in support of Chicago’s foie gras ban.

Resources

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Litigation – List of Cases

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