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.
Camilla Glover v Steven Mahrt, d/b/a Petaluma Egg Farm
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed false-advertising lawsuit against Judy’s Family Farm Organic Eggs for imagery used on packaging that led consumers to mistakenly believe the hens had significant outdoor access.
Animal Legal Defense Fund, Warren Triche Jr., Brandi J. Sutten and Jennifer Torquati v. State of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
In 2011 the Animal Legal Defense Fund successfully sued the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, arguing that granting a permit to exhibit Tony violated state and local laws including Louisiana’s 2006 ban on private ownership of big cats.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed amicus briefs in two consolidated California cases, in which the issue at stake was whether a plaintiff could recover veterinary expenses if those expenses exceeded the market value of the animal.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a ground breaking lawsuit against a hoarder using a unique North Carolina provision, the 19A Statute, which allows citizens to bring civil charges against abusers for violating animal cruelty.
Sherman v. Kissinger; Sexton v. Brown; Brinton v. Codoni
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed an amicus brief in a Washington state case stemming from the death of a toy poodle. Our brief asked the court to hold that the plaintiffs should be entitled to recover more than a dog’s “market value.”
The Supreme Court addressed the legality of military sonar exercises believed to cause significant harm to marine life, including whales and dolphins. The Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted an amicus brief.
