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.

Captive Animals

Challenging the Treatment of Animals at Special Memories Zoo

Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Special Memories Zoo, LLC et al.

The court permanently banned Special Memories Zoo, its owner, and manager from ever possessing or exhibiting animals — other than dogs or personal pets — again or working with any business that does so.

Companion Animals

“Puppy Laundering” Scheme Violates California Law

Volar Society v. Bark Adoptions

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the Animal Kingdom pet store and purported rescue group Bark Adoptions for unlawfully circumventing the California law that bans the retail sale of dogs.

Captive Animals, Wildlife

Lawsuit to Protect the Endangered Species Act

Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Haaland

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit to force the federal government to repeal recently imposed rules under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The lawsuit specifically details the importance of ESA protections for animals in captivity.

Farmed Animals

Defending California’s Proposition 12 Against Iowa Industry Group’s Challenge

Iowa Pork Producers Association v. Bonta

The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s coalition is helping defend Prop 12, California’s landmark farmed animal protection law.

Animals Used in Research

Challenging the USDA’s Secret Policy on Laboratory Inspections

Rise for Animals v. USDA

The agency that oversees the care and conditions of animals in research facilities said it wouldn’t outsource AWA inspections to private organizations after facing public outcry against the proposal. Then it implemented such a policy in secret.

Captive Animals

Challenging Cricket Hollow Zoo’s Treatment of Animals (2018)

Kuehl v. Sellner

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit alleging Cricket Hollow Zoo violates state public nuisance law by routinely mistreating hundreds of animals in violation of Iowa’s animal cruelty laws.

Companion Animals

Challenging a California Puppy Mill for Violating State and Local Laws

CARU Society for the Prevention v. Anthony

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the owner of California Carolina Dogs for operating an illegal puppy mill.

Farmed Animals

Challenging Kansas’s Ag-Gag Law

Animal Legal Defense Fund et. al. v. Kelly et. al.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit in Kansas challenging the constitutionality of the state’s Ag-Gag law, which makes it a crime to document animal cruelty at factory farms and slaughterhouses.

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Litigation – List of Cases

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