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.
United Pegasus Foundation v. California Equine Retirement Foundation
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit seeking to remove neglected horses from the California Equine Retirement Foundation (CERF) and prevent its chief operating officer from ever operating or being involved with any horse sanctuary in the future.
Center for Biological Diversity v. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, et. al.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed an amicus brief in support of a challenge to two rules promulgated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Service allowing bears to be hunted using bait, hounds, and body-gripping traps.
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) over the agency’s critical redactions in a contract between the USDA’s Wildlife Services program and a Colorado slaughterhouse.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against a Southern California dairy following an undercover investigation that documented severe and repeated abuse of cows and calves.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against a West Virginia State Police trooper for violating Tiffanie Hupp’s civil rights and breaking West Virginia law by nearly shooting a tied-up dog, and then arresting Hupp for saving the dog.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund joined litigation brought by a coalition of wildlife protection groups against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security arguing the agency’s attempt to waive environmental protection laws.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals v Roy Cooper – Lawsuit filed in 2016
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a North Carolina law designed to deter whistleblowers and undercover investigators from publicizing information about corporate misconduct.
