Resource Guide and Factsheets
Download ALDF’s printer-friendly resources to provide you with the critical information you need to get active for animals. Created especially for National Justice for Animals Week, share ALDF’s criminal justice factsheets and our special 18-page resource guide for activists and communities with your legislators, reporters, local rescue organizations, student organizations, family and friends–and help everyone get involved in the campaign to fight animal abuse and honor animal victims.
|Honoring Animal Victims: Landmarks in Legislation
National Justice for Animal Week co-sponsor Congress Steve Cohen of Tennessee authored the groundbreaking T-Bo Law, named after his beloved Shih Tzu, who was killed by the larger dog of one of his neighbors. Some of the most important legislative landmarks in the movement for criminal justice for animals were born from the tragic stories of real animal victims of crimes. Read on to see how legislators have fought for increased protection for animals while honoring animal victims.
|Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence: Contacts and Recommended Reading (PDF)
Law enforcement has recognized for years that those who abuse animals are far more likely to be violent toward humans. We’ve assembled a list of recommended reading on the subject of this insidious link–as well as a list of organizations who are working to help stop the cycle of violence.
|Fighting Animal Abuse, Honoring Animal Victims: A Resource Guide for Activists and Communities (PDF)
Download ALDF’s special 18-page manual designed to help you get active for abused animals in your own community – from how to help a neighbor’s neglected animal to how to work effectively with your legislators to effect real legal change for animals.
|Working with Legislators
Animals can’t vote, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a voice in the political process. Animal advocates can give them a voice if the appropriate steps are taken in lobbying for pro-animal legislation.
|Tips For Writing to Law Enforcement
Whether writing to a prosecutor, sheriff, investigator or judge, our input can have a significant effect on how cases are handled and laws are enforced. The following tips will help you write a persuasive letter.
|Find your Elected Officials
Find your elected officials and local district attorneys.
|What to do in cases where anti-cruelty laws have been broken
If you witness the abuse or neglect of an animal, please immediately file a complaint with your local law enforcement agency and insist that an investigation be completed. If charges have been filed, please contact ALDF and read this important information.
|How to help a neighbor’s neglected animal
It can be heartbreaking to see a neighbor’s animal suffering in a situation of neglect. Depending on the situation, there are various
ways you can help the animal or animals involved. Read for more information.
|Victim Impact Statements in Cases of Animal Cruelty
A majority of states guarantee you the right to submit a Victim Impact Statement as part of a criminal case against someone who injured or killed your companion animal. Learn what to include when writing one and how a Victim Impact Statement may affect your case.
|The Link Between Cruelty to Animals and Violence Toward Humans
Several academic studies have found a clear link between animal cruelty during youth and violence against humans as an adult. This link is so well established, profilers routinely use animal cruelty reports in their assessment of the possible threat criminals pose.
|Why Prosecutors Don’t Prosecute
There are many reasons why a prosecutor may choose not to pursue criminal cruelty charges, even when it appears to us that the perpetrator is obviously guilty. Find out why, and what you can do to help ensure animal abusers are prosecuted.