Founded in 1979 by attorneys active in shaping the emerging field of animal law, the Animal Legal Defense Fund blazes the trail for stronger enforcement of anti-cruelty laws and more humane treatment of animals in every corner of American life. The Animal Legal Defense Fund is the nation’s preeminent legal advocacy organization for animals. The organization's mission is to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. To accomplish this mission, the Animal Legal Defense Fund files high-impact lawsuits to protect animals from harm, provides free legal assistance and training to prosecutors, supports tough animal protection legislation and fights harmful legislation, and provides resources and opportunities to law students and professionals to advance the emerging field of animal law. To learn more about the Animal Legal Defense Fund please visit aldf.org.