Mercer Law's SALDF (Student Animal Legal Defense Fund) is a student branch of the larger organization ALDF (Animal Legal Defense Fund. 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 tra
il for stronger enforcement of anti-cruelty laws and more humane treatment of animals in every corner of American life. 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. SALDF is dedicated to providing a forum for education, advocacy, and scholarship aimed at protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system, and raising the profile of the field of animal law. Specifically, we are dedicated to the goals of educating the law school and surrounding community about forms of institutionalized animal abuse, and engaging in projects that combat that abuse. SALDF is equally dedicated to protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system. Activities shall include, but not be limited to: hosting speakers, debates, and conferences on current issues in animal rights and animal welfare law; carrying out research projects for lawyers and organizations promoting animal welfare and animal rights litigation; networking with students at other law schools, colleges, and universities; conducting educational events; and advocating on behalf of vegetarian/vegan students within our law school.
• Adoption
• Breed discrimination
• Breeding
• Dog-fighting
• Animals in entertainment
• Factory Farming
• Fashion
• Feral cats
• Animal testing
• Connection between animal and human abuse
• Wildlife conservation
How can law students get involved? Please look under the notes section to find out more information on how law students can get involved in animal law!
