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 Fairlife’s Deceptive Marketing Practices

Alain Michael v. Fairlife LLC

The Animal Legal Defense Fund joined forces with multiple law firms to bring a class action lawsuit against dairy company Fairlife alleging deceptive marketing practices.

Captive Animals

Defending Our Rights Under the Texas Anti-SLAPP Statute

Landry’s, Inc v Animal Legal Defense fund, et al.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund was sued by Laundry’s after making public comments that discussed the Aquarium’s mistreatment of four captive white tigers and asserted that such treatment violated the Endangered Species Act.

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.

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.