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

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.

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.

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.

Resources

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Litigation – List of Cases

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