About Us
For more than three decades, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has been fighting to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. Founded in 1979 by attorneys active in shaping the emerging field of animal law, ALDF has blazed the trail for stronger enforcement of anti-cruelty laws and more humane treatment of animals in every corner of American life. Today, ALDF’s groundbreaking efforts to push the U.S. legal system to end the suffering of abused animals are supported by thousands of dedicated attorneys and more than 100,000 members. Every day, ALDF works to protect animals by:
- Filing groundbreaking lawsuits to stop animal abuse and expand the boundaries of animal law.
- Providing free legal assistance to prosecutors handling cruelty cases.
- Working to strengthen state anti-cruelty statutes.
- Encouraging the federal government to enforce existing animal protection laws.
- Nurturing the future of animal law through Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapters and our Animal Law Program.
- Providing public education through seminars, workshops and other outreach efforts.
In addition to our national headquarters in the San Francisco Bay Area,
the Animal Legal Defense Fund maintains an office in Portland, Oregon.
Learn More
Programs
The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s primary programs include: our Litigation Program, which files cutting-edge lawsuits to stop the abuse of companion animals, and animals abused in industries including factory farming and the entertainment business; our Criminal Justice Program, which works with law enforcement and prosecutors to seek maximum penalties for animal abusers; and, our Animal Law Program, dedicated to fostering the field of animal law among legal professionals and in law schools nationwide.
Landmarks & Victories
Since the very beginning, cutting-edge lawsuits have been at the heart of ALDF’s work to protect the lives of animals. ALDF has been at the forefront for almost three decades, pushing government agencies to do their jobs to protect animals and shining a national spotlight on issues like factory farming and dissection in schools.
ALDF Collaborations
Our collaborations with other professional organizations, law firms, attorneys, nonprofits, and Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) chapters help ensure continued progress toward greater protections for animals. Below are examples of organizations with which we have formed alliances.
ALDF Testimonials
Hear what some of the Animal Legal Defense Fund's supporters are saying about our work to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.
Executive Staff & Board
Behind the Animal Legal Defense Fund's success are some of the leading visionaries guiding the field of animal law. Executive staff and board members from across the country are shaping tomorrow's dialog about animals and the law.
Financials
The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our most current annual report and IRS tax forms are available for review.
Contact Us
Whether you're a prosecutor looking for resources, a reporter on deadline, or an animal lover in need of help, find the support you need by contacting ALDF.
Student Animal Legal Defense Fund
Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapters are student groups that are affiliated with ALDF and share its mission to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.
Connect With Us
Connect with the Animal Legal Defense Fund on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and more!
Related Topics:
Animal LawCriminal JusticeLitigation
