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.

Farmed Animals

Challenging FDA’s Unreasonable Delay in Responding to Petition to Limit Use or Withdraw Approval of Ractopamine

Animal Legal Defense Fund, et al. v. FDA, et al.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit to require the FDA provide substantive responses to petitions urging for the immediate reduction in the allowable levels of ractopamine.

Captive Animals

Challenging the Treatment of Animals at Farmers Inn

Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Lucas

In 2018 the Animal Legal Defense Fund sent a notice of intent to sue Farmers Inn, a roadside zoo in Sigel, Pennsylvania, for violations of the Endangered Species Act and state public nuisance standards based on violations of state wildlife protection laws.

A recent visitor observed a five inch gash on one of the bear’s shoulders

Captive Animals

Challenging the Treatment of Captive Animals at Olympic Game Farm

Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Olympic Game Farm

The Animal Legal Defense Fund alleges Olympic Game Farm, a roadside zoo in Sequim, Washington, is breaking the Endangered Species Act and state anti-cruelty laws by not providing adequate care for the captive animals in its possession.

Wildlife

Challenging Wisconsin’s Hunting Statute as a First Amendment Violation

Joseph Brown v. Jeffery L Kemp

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit in federal court aiming to strike down a Wisconsin statute banning photographing, videotaping, approaching, or even “maintaining a visual or physical proximity to” a hunter.

Farmed Animals

Challenging Holden Farms Cruelty and Garbage Feeding Via False Claims Lawsuit

Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Holden Farms

Lawsuit alleges violations of the federal Swine Health Protection Act, Minnesota Anti-Garbage feeding law, and Minnesota Anti-Cruelty Law.

Farmed Animals

Defending California’s Landmark Farmed Animal Protection Law, Proposition 12

NPPC and AFBF v. Ross

For the second time, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has intervened to help California defend its landmark farmed animal protection law, Proposition 12. The case will next be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Wildlife

Challenging the Government’s Fatal Mismanagement of Protected Tule Elk

Gescheidt v. National Park Service

Tule elk are a beloved fixture at the Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County, California. But the National Park Service (NPS), the federal agency responsible for protecting them, is failing at the task — with numerous elk suffering and dying as a result of its negligence.

Farmed Animals

Challenging Missouri’s Meat Labeling Law

Turtle Island Foods v. Richardson

In 2018, the Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a federal lawsuit challenging a Missouri law that prevents plant-based meat and cultured meat producers from using “meat” terminology because their products do not come from a slaughtered animal.

Resources

Sign Up!

Join the Animal Legal Defense Fund's email list to stay up to date on lawsuits, legislation, and regulations affecting animals.

Litigation – List of Cases

Resources

Related Content