Animal Legal Defense Fund

05/29/2026

Massachusetts Lobby Day for Animals is right around the corner!

On June 10th, join advocates and animal protection organizations from across the Commonwealth to speak out for animals at the Massachusetts State House.

Lobby Day is a great way to experience legislative lobbying firsthand. You will learn about legislation pending in the State House that will help animals and have time to network with other animal advocates.

Register here:

Lobby Day for Animals is June 10th at the Massachusetts State House!

05/27/2026

Didn’t make it to the Animal Law Symposium? The full program is now available to watch on demand!

This symposium brings together leading voices in animal law to explore key developments in federal and executive deregulation, expert witness strategy, and innovative approaches to advocacy.

Watch the full sessions at your convenience and stay up to date on the legal strategies shaping the future of animal protection: https://aldf.org/article/animal-law-symposium/animal-law-symposium-2026/

05/26/2026

A bill that prohibits the participation of certain animals in traveling animal acts has passed the New York legislature!

Please call Governor Hochul’s office and respectfully request she sign A5850 into law (518) 474-8390 to protect the public and exotic wildlife from the cruelties of travelling acts in New York.

05/23/2026

A huge victory for animals in Iowa!

Last week, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a critical amendment into law raising a first offense for animal torture from a misdemeanor to a felony.

With this milestone, all 50 states now treat first-time animal torture offenses as felonies.

05/21/2026

Remarkably Bright Creatures, the film adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s beloved novel, is making waves on Netflix. We won’t spoil anything for viewers who haven’t watched yet, but one thing is certain: it will deepen your appreciation for octopuses.

The story centers on Marcellus, a formerly wild, sharp-witted giant Pacific octopus now living in a small-town aquarium, and Tova, a widowed volunteer who cares for him. They form a special bond, and Tova discovers how much she can learn from this curious creature.

Marcellus might be fully animated in the film, but the complexities of his species still resonate. The film forces us to think about important issues, including animal sentience and our perceptions of animals and their welfare.

During the film, Marcellus aptly notes, “Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.” Let’s live up to that sentiment by protecting octopuses from the cruelty of industrial farming. Urge your Senators to cosponsor the OCTOPUS Act, which would ban the farming of these intelligent animals in the U.S.

Take action here: https://aldf.org/article/help-ban-cruel-octopus-farming-in-the-u-s/

05/20/2026

Florida will no longer allow threatened manta rays to be captured and exported overseas for aquarium display. 🙌

Thank you to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for taking an important step forward by strengthening protections for threatened species and increasing oversight and accountability in the permitting process.

And thank you to FL Rep. Lindsay Cross for advocating tirelessly for manta rays and other threatened marine species in Florida!

05/20/2026

Update on the two white lions who were rescued from a North Texas roadside zoo and are now getting a second chance at life at a Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries-verified sanctuary in Wylie.

At their new home veterinarians and staff are focused on improving the sisters’ quality of life. We're so happy to hear that they are getting the treatments they need and are showing improvement.

Two white lioness sisters rescued from a North Texas zoo are now getting a second chance at life at a wildlife sanctuary in Wylie.