Saving Her Starts With You
We provide legal defense for animals
and education for all.
Litigation for Animal Welfare is a legal defense, investigative, and education fund dedicated to protecting animals through strategic litigation, advocacy, and public education. Committed to enforcing and strengthening animal protection laws, the organization provides legal representation or referral in cases of animal cruelty, exploitation, and neglect, while also working to advance policies that promote animal welfare. Through public awareness and education campaigns and legal training, Litigation for Animal Welfare empowers advocates, attorneys, and communities to establish and defend the rights and well-being of animals nationwide.
But we cannot achieve our goals alone. Find out how you can help.
An estimated 10 million animals die from abuse or cruelty every year in the United States alone.
We believe that ending animal abuse begins with recognizing and safeguarding their rights.
Litigation for Animal Welfare, a nonprofit legal defense and education fund, is committed to protecting animals through strategic litigation and targeted education programs. We also offer free litigation strategy and training for lawyers handling animal protection cases, guidance to advocates and activists working on animal rights legislation, and support for rescues with resources that promote animal welfare and transparency.
Report Cases
Education & Certification
Support Legal Defense
Lawyer Activist Hub
Volunteer
DONATE
Litigation for Animal Welfare is dedicated to advancing the cause of animal rights through strategic legal action. We handle high-impact cases of national importance, connecting compassionate animal stewards with local legal representation and offering vital education on animal welfare issues.
Our mission is to protect animals who face unjust legal challenges, including those wrongfully labeled as dangerous to those suffering from neglect, abuse, or abandonment. Through our tireless efforts, we seek justice for animals at risk of execution, hoarding situations, and other forms of mistreatment.
By supporting Litigation for Animal Welfare, you are not only providing these vulnerable creatures with fair representation but also championing the broader cause of animal justice. Your donation empowers us to defend the voiceless and foster a world where every animal receives the care, compassion, and protection they deserve. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the fight for animal welfare.
ONE TIME DONATION
Gift Amount
MONTHLY DONATION
Gift Amount
For other recurring, monthly donation amounts or for quarterly, annual, or employer matching programs please contact us here.
NEWS
Dog Meat Trade Rescues
We are currently researching multiple complaints involving dogs rescued from the dog meat markets, primarily in Eastern and Central Asia. Once the dogs came to North America, allegations of abuse, neglect, irresponsible home placement, and death have been levied. Several cases are either underway or in pre-filing stages.
If you have fostered or adopted a dog rescued from a dog meat market, we would like to discuss your experience. Additionally, if you currently work with or have worked with agencies that rescue animals from wet/meat markets, we would like to speak with you.
NY Bans Retail Pet Sales
Pure bred dogs, cats, and rabbits are no longer available from New York state retail pet stores after a ban went into effect on December 15th. In an effort to curb the abuse of animals in “puppy mills” or commercial animal breeding facilities, New York legislators hope that this ban will increase animal shelter adoptions. Currently, less than 10% of animals are adopted from shelters.
While the ban will stop the sale of pure-bred dogs in retail facilities, provisions in the law allow pets to be sold in retail stores if they are part of a shelter or non-profit rescue.
Declawing Bans Expand
The City Council in Evanston, Illinois has banned cat declawing, a procedure likened to amputating the last knuckle of a human finger. Declawing can cause lifelong medical and phycological issues for cats, including chronic pain, nerve damage, litterbox avoidance, and biting or other aggressions, all which lead to an increase in shelter surrenders and abandonment.
In 2019, New York became the first state to ban declawing, followed by Maryland, and Virginia. Dozens of other cities around the country have followed suit and even in areas where the practice isn’t legally banned, many veterinary clinics refuse to perform the procedure.
FUNDING USAGE
At Litigation for Animal Welfare, donations and grants are directly invested in defending and advocating for animals in need. Every dollar goes toward providing legal representation to animals at risk and promoting animal advocacy and education, ensuring their rights and lives are protected.
NO board member takes a salary, reflecting the team’s genuine commitment to this cause. Over 85% of all funds raised are allocated exclusively to the defense and care of animals and the promotion and education of animal rights initiatives, with less than 15% used for essential administrative costs.
Your contributions empower this vital work, helping animals escape unjust outcomes while fostering a society that values compassion and justice for all living beings.
LAW BLOG
SHOP
Show your support of the work of Litigation for Animal Welfare with bags, apparel, and mugs. Proceeds go directly to supporting the missions of LAW.
