Last Chance for Animals' History and Accomplishments

Since its formation in 1984, Last Chance for Animals (LCA) has succeeded as one of the global pioneer animal advocacy organizations. Documentation from LCA’s undercover investigations is used by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to expose animal abusers and work with prosecutors to obtain criminal charges. LCA’s educational and public outreach programs on a variety of animal issues empower the public to make positive changes for animals and to make cruelty-free lifestyle decisions.

2024:

• SOUTH KOREA BANS DOG MEAT - On 1/9/2024, in a monumental step towards a more compassionate and humane society, S. Korea's National Assembly unanimously passed the Special Bill for the End of Dog Meat Consumption. The law will become effective in 2027, and will ban the breeding, raising, slaughtering, distribution, and sale of dogs. Chris DeRose, LCA's president and founder and Jiyen Lee, founder of Animal Liberation Wave (ALW - LCA's S. Korean sister organization) were at the National Assembly in Seoul for the historic vote and attended the press conference with Parliamentarians after the vote. MP Han, who was instrumental in getting the Special Bill passed, also joined the press conference. "We applaud South Korea for taking this important step towards ending the suffering of countless dogs," said Chris DeRose. "This decision not only reflects changing attitudes towards animals but also sets a powerful precedent for the global movement against animal cruelty." "This historic ban on dog meat in South Korea has been decades in the making," said Jiyen Lee, founder of ALW. "I am thankful to all the legislators who voted to put an end to this cruel and antiquated history. I hope other nations will follow this example and we can make it so that no nation on Earth tolerates the killing and eating of dogs." For years, LCA and ALW have tirelessly campaigned for an end to the dog meat trade, raising awareness about the inherent cruelty involved. LCA and ALW have been at the forefront of the fight to end the dog meat trade by performing hard-hitting undercover investigations, advancing legislation, and staging striking visual campaigns to raise public awareness. This decision by South Korea marks a milestone moment in the fight against the inhumane treatment of animals. The Bill was officially signed into law by S. Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on 2/6/2024.
  
  
  
  • March 29, 2024-April 2, 2024 - LCA/ALW continued to raise public awareness about the dog meat trade as part of the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival held at the S. Korean National Assembly. The Flower Festival is one of the most popular in the country, attended by over 200,000 people. LCA/ALW showcased eight Flower Dogs, created by artist Zinoo Park, which symbolize LCA/ALW's fight against the dog meat trade. LCA/ALW launched the Flower Dog Project, a mobile art installation of eight dogs, during the PyeongChang Olympics in 2018, to raise awareness about the dog meat trade to the Korean public and international tourists.
    
    
  • July 13, 2024 - LCA/ALW, along with other animal rights groups, held a rally at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul. Over 100 activists gathered to demand a swift end to the dog meat trade. The demonstration aimed to keep pressure on the S. Korean government to end dog meat by 2027 and keep the issue in the public eye.
    
    
  • September 2024 - LCA/ALW's South Korean lawyer, Kim Dohhui, secured a seat on the Committee for Ending Dog Consumption. LCA/ALW will continue to work with the S. Korean government to ensure dog meat is phased out by 2027. LCA/ALW reviewed the government's plan to ban dog meat and gave feedback.
    
    
• SOUTH KOREA CHICKEN INVESTIGATION - On 7/15/2024, LCA/ALW released the first-ever major investigation into S. Korean chicken farms. The footage, taken from March-June 2024, is from three farms that supply chickens that make Samgyetang chicken soup products. Samgyetang is the chicken equivalent to dog meat soup, and is consumed during Boknal, the hottest days of the summer. The investigation exposed sick and injured chickens suffering in filthy and cruel conditions. The investigation received widespread media coverage throughout S. Korea, including the media outlet Hankyoreh, which has over 4,000,000 online subscribers, where the story was the second most viewed. On the day of the investigation release, LCA/ALW held a major protest educating the public about the cruelty of Samgyetang and urged S. Koreans to celebrate a cruelty-free Boknal. As a result of the investigation, over 900 people emailed Weee!, America's largest online Asian supermarket, urging them to ditch Samgyetang products. 
  
  
• EXPOSING SUFFERING AT HAMSTER BREEDING MILL -  On 3/26/2024, LCA released an undercover investigation, narrated by E.G. Daily, that exposed extreme animal suffering at a hamster breeding mill that breeds and sells tens of thousands of hamsters annually. Injuries, infections, wounds and ailments like eye infections, dehydration, and hair loss, were common. Hamsters were not provided proper veterinary care and were killed in a makeshift gas chamber. An antibiotic intended for use in larger farmed animals was used to treat infections and wounds by staff with little to no veterinary background. The hamsters were not given water and forced to get moisture from moldy carrots. Hamsters from these types of mills (aka small-animal breeding mills or commercial breeding mills) often end up sold in stores like Petco, PetSmart, and Petland. As a result of LCA's investigation, over 2,500 people sent emails to Petco, PetSmart, and Petland urging them to stop selling hamsters and other small animals. The investigation was picked up by media, including One Green Planet.
  
  
• PROTESTING THE RODEO IN SAN DIEGO, CA - The San Diego Padres hosted rodeos on January 12-14, 2024 at Petco Park in San Diego, put on by C5 Rodeo Company from Alberta, Canada and Outriders Present from Montana. The rodeo was promoted by Major League Baseball. Local San Diego activists staged protests during all three days of rodeo events. LCA supported the protests by sending out an email alert; posting the protest information on social media; and supplying a mobile video billboard truck on 1/13/2024 that circled Petco Park, displaying graphic images of animals being abused during rodeos. The text, "Shame on Major League Baseball, San Diego Padres, PETCO & San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria for supporting the rodeo industry at Petco Park" was displayed on the truck. Over 500 people emailed the San Diego Padres to express their disgust about the rodeo on an email action LCA setup. During the rodeo, a horse appeared to be injured when he/she ran into a wall during an event.
  
  
• LCA HOSTS PROTESTS AGAINST PBR IN LOS ANGELES - LCA hosted two protests against the PBR's circus display of animal abuse at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on 2/16/2024 and 2/17/2024. LCA rented a mobile video billboard truck that circled the venue playing a video of a critically injured bull at a rodeo. On 2/14/2024, LCA issued a press release about the PBR protests. PBR's lawyers tried to block LCA's press released through PRnewswire, reporting the content was "dangerous, damaging and libelous." They failed - LCA's press release was circulated via the internet and social media. 
  
  
• PROTESTING RODEO CRUELTY IN CALIFORNIA - Throughout 2024, LCA hosted or promoted multiple rodeo protests in California by sending out email alerts, created FaceBook event pages and social media posts. LCA hosted two protests against the "Yucaipa Rodeo 2024" in Yucaipa, CA on 4/5/2024-4/6/2024 at the Yucaipa Equestrian Center protesting cruel events that included bull riding, calf roping, bronc riding, and mutton busting. Dozens of rodeo attendees were verbally agressive and one even struck a protesters hand. Other protests that LCA promoted included: two PBR bull riding events in Palm Desert, CA in March 2024; the Bill Pickett Rodeo in City of Industry, CA, in July 2024; a rodeo in Norco, CA, at the George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center in August 2024; two PBR events in Anaheim, CA at the Honda Center in September 2024; the Sheriff's Rodeo in San Bernadino, CA in September 2024; and two rodeos at the Industry Hills Expo Center in City of Industry, CA in October 2024.
  
  
• STOPPING CALIFORNIA'S ILLEGAL FUR SALES - On 1/1/2023, the sale of new fur products was outlawed in California, yet several retailers continued selling fur in store or online to California consumers. The California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is tasked with enforcing the fur ban, yet did not act on any of LCA's complaints regarding illegal fur sales. Since 2023, LCA has enforced the ban by suing retailers selling new fur to California residents. More lawsuits are in progress.
  
  • February 2024 - During January 2024, LCA sent a cease-and-desist letter to Stefano Ricci demanding they stop selling new fur in their Beverly Hills store and online to California residents. Stefano Ricci immediately informed LCA that all new fur products would no longer be sold in their Beverly Hills store. On 2/1/2024, Stefano Ricci stopped illegal online fur sales to California consumers.
    
    
  • April 2024 - LCA conducts another investigation in the L.A. area of illegal fur sales and finds two stores it previously documented selling fur in November 2023 were closed. Furs By Lafayette (Santee Alley, Los Angeles, CA) and Mink Palace (Monterey Park, CA) both appeared to be closed. 
    
    
  • July 29, 2024 - An undercover investigation released by LCA and narrated by drummer Rikki Rockett, exposed illegal fur sales at stores around Los Angeles, including Stefano Ricci in Beverly Hills. Multiple investigations spanned several months and identified retailers violating the state's fur ban. Over 400 people took action and emailed the California Dept of Fish and Wildlife, demanding they enforce the fur ban.
    
    
  • August 6, 2024 - Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus stopped online illegal fur sales to California residents after an LCA legal complaint! In 2/2024, LCA discovered new fox fur jackets for sale on Neiman Marcus' website that shipped to California, violating the fur ban. It also violated Neiman Marcus' fur-free policy. After discovering the violation, LCA sent a letter to Neiman Marcus demanding they stop shipping fur to California. When the letter was ignored, LCA filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. During July 2024, Neiman Marcus settled the lawsuit out of court and removed all fur from their website; agreed to adhere to their fur-free policy; and donated $5,000 to LCA.
    

• FIGHTING RODEO ABUSE IN LOS ANGELES - LCA continues to support the Los Angeles rodeo ordinance, which would ban certain rodeo events in the city. The ordinance was referred by the City Attorney to the Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee on 7/17/2024. Throughout 2024, LCA attended coalition meetings with advocates and other animal rights groups about the ordinance and conducted targeted email and social media campaigns to move the ordinance out of Committee. This issue is ongoing as of 10/2024.
  
  
• ONTARIO AG-GAG LAW OVERTURNED - In April 2024, a judge ruled Ontario's ag-gag law Bill 156, the Security from Trespass and Food Safety Act, violated Freedom of Speech under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and repealed the law. LCA participated in a coalition of groups, led by Animal Justice, working to overturn the law. LCA testified before the Ontario Legislature on the importance of whistleblowing in animal agriculture, the dangers of ag-gag, and highlighted LCA's undercover investigations in Ontario prior to the passage of Bill 156. LCA also proved, through polling, that transparency in agriculture is important to Ontarians. Bill 156, which passed in 2020, punished whistleblowers with fines up to $25,000. This marks the first time an ag-gag law has been repealed in Canada. 
  
  
• SUPPORTING THE VIRUNGA AIRWING - LCA continues to provide monthly support to the AirWing Program in Virunga National Park. The AirWing provides the best line of defense against poachers and rebel militia that the majestic mountain gorillas and Park Rangers have against attack. The Rangers risk their lives daily to protect the Park, its natural resources, local people and wild animals. 
  
  
• OPPOSING THE EATS ACT - LCA opposed the dangerous inclusion of EATS Act language being added into the FARM Bill (passed every five years), which would set a precedent of dismantling animal protection laws passed at a municipal or state level (for example, California's historic fur ban). LCA sent out email alerts and posted about the EATS Act on social media. Over 2,500 supporters emailed their House Representative through LCA's targeted action, urging them to keep the EATS Act language out of the FARM Bill. As of October 2024, the FARM Bill has not been passed. This issue is ongoing as of 10/2024.
  
  
• MAX MARA GOES FUR-FREE - During February 2024, LCA participated in a Fur-Free Alliance led coalition urging the Italian fashion brand Max Mara to go fur-free. LCA set up a targeted action, sent emails and posted on social media, asking supporters to demand Max Mara ditch fur. LCA also targeted Max Mara during its annual Fur-Free Friday protests. Six months later, in August 2024, Max Mara announced a fur-free policy. 
  
  
• SPEAKING UP FOR U.S. WHALES SUFFERING IN CAPTIVITY - LCA applauded the reintroduction of the Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings (SWIMS) Act of 2024 into the House of Representatives (H.R. 7145) and the Senate (S.3694) on 1/30/2024. The SWIMS Act was introduced into the House by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA); Jared Huffman (D-CA); Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and into the Senate by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). LCA worked closely with Rep. Schiff's office on the reintroduction and circulated fact sheets to Congress. There are about 48 whales suffering in captivity across the U.S.  SWIMS Act would stop the suffering of U.S. whales in captivity by prohibiting the taking, importation, or exportation of whales for public display; prohibit breeding of whales for future public display; and allow exemptions for animals being transported to a sanctuary setting or released into the wild. Over 4,000 people contacted their elected officials through LCA's action page, urging their support of the SWIMS Act. This issue is ongoing as of 10/2024. 
  
  
• SUPPORTING GREY2K'S ANTI GREYHOUND RACING LEGISLATION IN NH - LCA put out an email alert, social post and created an action to link NH supporters with their state Senator to support Senate Bill 363 in NH. Introduced by Senator Daniel Innis (R-NH), SB 363 would make it illegal to bet on greyhound racing within NH. The bill was introduced on 1/3/2024 and referred to the Ways and Means Committee. The Bill passed Committee on 1/10/2024 and passed the Senate on 4/11/2024. The Governor signed the Bill into law on 5/14/2024 and it will become effective on 1/1/2027. This was a joint action with GREY2K.
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2023:

• ANNUAL FUR-FREE FRIDAY PROTEST - The 37th Annual Fur-Free Friday protest was held on Black Friday (11/24/2023), the busiest shopping day of the year. The sale of new fur products became illegal in California on 1/1/2023, however, there are Rodeo Drive retailers selling new fur online and in places where the sale is legal. LCA and activists protested outside retailers: Louis Vuitton (part of the LVMH - Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy - conglomerate); Fendi (part of LVMH); Dior (part of LVMH); Loro Piana (part of LVMH); Philipp Plein; Max Mara and Stefano Ricci, urging them to ditch fur. An online action to email the retailers urging them to adopt a fur-free policy was set up for people not able to attend the protest. A video truck drove up and down Rodeo Drive playing graphic images of animals suffering in the fur trade and video footage of illegal fur sales inside the Stefano Ricci store (taken during LCA's undercover investigation) on Rodeo Drive.

• FIGHTING CALIFORNIA'S ILLEGAL FUR SALES - A law banning the sale of new fur products was enacted in California on 1/1/2023. However, some retailers continued to sell new fur illegally, in violation of the law. In April 2023, LCA became aware of Surfas Ltd. Furriers in Tustin, CA, selling new fur and filed a lawsuit. The lawsuit was settled in September 2023, resulting in Surfas agreeing to "immediately cease any unlawful sales" and paying a settlement. This was the first successful lawsuit in California upholding the fur ban. During November 2023, an LCA investigator visited nine stores in Los Angeles that sold fur before the ban came into effect. The investigator documented four stores still selling fur including luxury retailer Stefano Ricci. Another retailer, Bizakis Furs in Tustin, CA, admitted to selling new fur - this case is ongoing with a court date set for December 2024. Lawsuits are in progress.

• STOPPING RODEO ABUSE IN LOS ANGELES - LCA continues to fight for the passage of the rodeo ordinance, introduced by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield (CD3), that would ban rodeos in Los Angeles. Throughout 2023, LCA attended coalition meetings with eight City Council offices to lobby for the passage of the ordinance. LCA co-hosted nine rodeo protests throughout California, including the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) "Unleash the Beast" event at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on 2/25/2023-2/26/2023.
  • December 5, 2023 - The rodeo ban was called for a full City Council vote. LCA's President and Founder Chris DeRose confronted pro-rodeo protesters at L.A. City Hall. DeRose also spoke at a press conference held by Councilmember Blumenfield in support of the ordinance. The L.A. City Council unanimously voted YES in favor of the ordinance; however, the Ordinance was referred to Committee to draft the language. When passed, the Ordinance would effectively ban rodeo events in Los Angeles.

• OPPOSING AG-GAG LAWS IN CANADA - LCA campaigned against Bill C-275, which seeks to create a national ag-gag law in Canada under the guise of "biosecurity". Under Bill C-275, whistleblowers could be punished with fines of up to $250,000- and two-years imprisonment for documenting conditions at factory farms, transport trucks, and slaughterhouses. Non-profits like LCA could be fined up to $500,000 for working with whistleblowers to expose animal abuse. Trespassing and poisoning animals is already illegal in Canada. Disease outbreaks on factory farms have been shown to come largely from improper sanitation procedures. Although Bill C-275 is ongoing legislation, revisions to the Bill will make it harder to prosecute undercover investigators.

• CALLING OUT DILLARD'S FUR SALES - LCA participated in a coalition led by HSUS, with Four Paws, and Born Free USA calling on Dillard's, the last major department store in the U.S., to go fur-free. During the two-week campaign, approximately 1,800 of LCA's supporters emailed Dillard's CEO and Board of Directors urging them to ditch fur. 

• LOBBYING FOR THE PASSAGE OF ANTI-FUR LEGISLATION - During 2023, LCA supported legislation to ban the sale of new fur products state-wide in Hawaii, Rhode Island and Oregon, and a municipal Chicago ordinance. The bills in Oregon and Hawaii did not pass. The Rhode Island and Chicago legislation is ongoing. On 9/22/2023, LCA's President and Founder Chris DeRose emailed a letter to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda urging him to sign a proposed fur ban into law. The fur ban was passed by Parliament and will come into effect in 2027. On 9/27/2023, President Gitanas Nauseda signed the bill into law, making Lithuania the 20th country in Europe to ban fur farming. 

• FIGHTING TO STOP THE SUFFERING OF WHALES IN AQUARIUMS - There are approximately 49 whales suffering captive in aquariums across the U.S. Studies have shown these majestic and intelligent animals do not fare well in captivity. LCA has been working to get the Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings (SWIMS) Act, reintroduced in the House of Representatives and Senate. The SWIMS Act is federal legislation that would stop the captive breeding and import and export of whales for public display. LCA created a fact sheet that was sent to members of the House of Representatives and Senate detailing why the SWIMS Act should be reintroduced. LCA created an action to connect supporters with their House Representative and Senator to demand stronger legal protection of whales suffering in captivity.

• MIAMI HERALD OP-ED ON LOLITA (TOKITAE) - An op-ed written by LCA's President and Founder Chris DeRose about the death of Lolita ran in the Miami Herald on 8/30/2023. The op-ed highlighted the cruelty of keeping whales in captivity and called on Americans to rethink their ethics. Lolita was captured from Washington's Puget Sound in 1970, when she was four years old. She lived for over 50 years as a tourist attraction at the Miami Seaquarium, spending most of her time in solitary confinement.

• MARINE PARK PROTESTS - LCA Supported protests hosted by local activists at Marineland Canada (5.20.2023) and Miami Seaquarium (5.27.2023) by supplying each protest with a mobile video billboard truck. The trucks circled the marine parks, playing disturbing footage of animals taken during LCA's undercover investigation at Marineland Canada. Text displayed on the truck throughout the video read, "Captivity Kills".

• SUPER COW WINS MULTIPLE AWARDS - LCA's stop-motion animation, Super Cow, tells the story of Daisy, a dairy cow's daring escape from slaughter. In 2023, Super Cow won eight Telly Awards, along with Best Short Film at the 2023 Santa Monica Film Festival. In collaboration with artist and activist Moby, the film has received over 1,000,000 views online and continues to shed light on the millions of animals killed each year in the meat and dairy industries. 

• NATIONAL PUPPY DAY: ROOM OF TRUTH EXHIBIT - On "National Puppy Day" (3/23/2023), LCA and S. Korean sister organization Animal Liberation Wave (ALW) installed an exact replica of a dog meat slaughterhouse in the busy Sinchon shopping district in Seoul, S. Korea. Titled "National Puppy Day: Room of Truth", the exhibit showcased the horrific conditions and instruments inside a dog meat slaughterhouse. From the outside, the display did not look like a slaughterhouse. Once inside, observers witnessed the horror of a slaughterhouse: electric shock sticks, blowtorches, metal cages, gas cylinders and animal de-furring machines, in a filthy and scary environment. On the walls of the exhibit were photographs from the Yeoju Gyeshin-ri dog meat slaughterhouse that the exhibit replicated. The photographs included dogs rescued and slaughtered by the meat trade.

• SEOUL DOG AND CAT MEAT BAN - An ordinance banning the sale of dog and cat meat in Seoul, S. Korea's capital city was introduced on 5/30/2023 by Kim Ji-hyang, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council. The bill would impose a maximum of 5 million won ($3,780 USD) on businesses selling the animals for food in the city. In May, LCA/ALW facilitated a meeting with two members of the Council including Kim Ji-hyang, releasing a statement demanding the bill's fast passage. In June, ALW held a press conference in front of Seoul City Council, also demanding fast passage of the bill. In August, LCA/ALW and Kim Ji-hyang hosted a Flower Dog Exhibit at Seoul Metropolitan Council to raise awareness about the ordinance. The Exhibit was attended by multiple members of the Seoul Metropolitan Council and the Mayor of Seoul sent a congratulatory speech. Over 3,000 LCA supporters emailed Kang Seok-joo, Head of Health & Social Affairs Committee in the Seoul Metropolitan Council to support the ordinance.

• U.S. DOG MEAT RESOLUTION - On 7/20, 2023, a bipartisan resolution calling for countries around the world to outlaw the slaughter of dogs and cats for meat, and enforce existing laws against the trade, was introduced into the United States Congress. The resolution was introduced by Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL). LCA worked with Congressman Moskowitz's office to have the resolution re-introduced, and fact-checked details about the dog and cat meat trade. LCA created a fact sheet about the resolutions to attract co-sponsors and set up an action to connect Americans with their elected officials - resulting in over 2,900 emails being sent.

• LCA/ALW CO-HOST ANNUAL BOKNAL PROTEST - LCA/ALW, along with 29 other animal rights groups, co-hosted the annual Boknal protest in the heart of Seoul on 7/8/2023. Over 400 people attended the protest to raise awareness about dogs killed in S. Korea's cruel meat trade. Holding an LCA/ALW banner that read, "The Time is Now for Dog Meat Free Korea!", activists marched through the Bosingk Pavilion. Three Government Officials attended the event: MP Han Jeoung-ae, who introduced federal legislation to end the dog meat trade; Seoul City Councilmember Kim Ji-hyang, who introduced legislation to end dog and cat meat in Seoul; and MP Lee Jeong-mi, leader of S. Korea's Justice Party. Two other Government Officials sent messages of support: MP Park Hong-keun, Co-MP of the National Assembly's Animal Welfare Forum and MP Yong Hye-in, from S. Korea's Basic Income Party.

• DEMONSTRATION AT S. KOREAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY - On 10/29/2023, LCA and ALW, along with 25 other animal rights groups, co-hosted a demonstration at S. Korea's National Assembly. Over 500 activists attended the demonstration demanding the fast passage of legislation that would end the country's cruel dog meat trade. During 2023, five bills were introduced in the National Assembly to end the dog meat trade. Among the provisions of the legislation, it would: ban the raising, killing, and trading of dogs for human consumption; and support the closure of dog meat farms and transition farm owners to a different industry. Apart from the momentum in the National Assembly to end the dog meat trade, the South Korean government formulated a working, bi-partisan body to create a plan to end the country's dog meat trade in August 2023. LCA/ALW also prepared a comparative analysis report on the five proposed bills to end the dog meat trade, in South Korean and English.

• BILL TO STOP DOG MEAT PASSES S. KOREAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES - On 12/12/2023, the Special Bill to Stop Dog Meat passed the Ag Sub-Committee of the South Korean National Assembly. On 12/20/2023, the Special Bill passed the Ag Committee. This marks a crucial initial stride towards ending S. Korea's dog meat industry. The swift passage of the legislation through the Committees clears the way for the S. Korean National Assembly to end the dog meat trade.

• DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF KOREA (DPK) ADOPTS A PARTY BAN ON DOG MEAT CONSUMPTION - On 11/8/2023, the DPK, S. Korea's main opposition party, unanimously agreed to support legislation ending the dog meat trade at a party level. The DPK's support of the legislation is intended to put pressure on the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to act on the issue before the end of 2023. LCA/ALW attended DPK's press conference showing support for the issue and delivered a letter to DPK before the vote, urging them to adopt a stance banning dog meat. The pressure worked and the ruling PPP announced its intent to ban dog meat by the end of 2023!

• LCA EXPANDS INTO EUROPE - In May 2023, LCA expanded on its mission to eradicate animal suffering worldwide by forming LCA Europe, based in Italy. LCA Europe has a dedicated team at work conducting new investigations and hard-hitting campaigns.

• LCA EUROPE EXPOSES SUFFERING AT PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA SUPPLIER FARMS - LCA Europe released their first undercover investigation in June 2023, exposing Italian pig farms located in north-central Italy. The footage, from early 2023, documented horrendous conditions and animal neglect at three separate pig farms authorized to breed and supply Parma Ham for the producers of Prosciutto di Parma. The farms are located in two different districts, Cremona and Modena, in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. On all three farms, totaling 34,000 pigs, there is blatant disregard for the animals. Prosciutto di Parma has long been celebrated as the gold standard and is known for its superior aged, cured ham. However, LCA's investigation showed behind the scenes lies a hidden reality of animal abuse and unsanitary practices. The investigation was covered extensively by the Italian media.

• VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK AIRWING PROGRAM - LCA provides monthly support to Virunga National Park's AirWing program. The AirWing is the "eye in the sky" and the best line of defense that the majestic mountain gorillas and Virunga Park Rangers have against attack. The Rangers risk their lives daily to protect the Park, its natural resources, local people and wild animals, including the mountain gorillas. During 2023, LCA continued to support Rangers attending flight school to become Virunga pilots and donated a lifesaving Bat Hawk MediVac aircraft to the Park's AirWing program. The importance of LCA's support as stated by its chief pilot, Anthony Caere: "LCA has made such a big difference for Virunga National Park, it brings tears to my eyes. LCA is the backbone of the AirWing and the AirWing is the backbone of Virunga. I can't say Thank you enough!"

• CANADA PLANS TO PHASE OUT TOXICOLOGY TESTING AFTER LCA INVESTIGATION - In June 2023, Canada passed amendments to Bill S-5, the Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada. Included in the bill were provisions aiming to phase out toxicology testing on animals. The Canadian Government has two years to develop a plan on how to implement the changes. ITR was the first undercover investigation released (2017) by an animal rights group of a research facility in Canada and is one of the catalysts of reform to animal testing laws in Canada.

• LCA SAVES THAILAND ANIMAL SANCTUARY - In October 2023, the Sangkhlaburi Animal Sanctuary, in remote Northern Thailand, had their major benefactor pull ALL their financial support. The Sanctuary, home to about 25 dogs, was instantly in danger of closing. Without funds, they could not rescue and adopt out street dogs, conduct spay/neuter clinics, and purchase veterinary supplies. Since the nearest veterinarian is four hours away, it is crucial the Sanctuary continue its operations uninterrupted. Luckily, LCA pledged to help Sangkhlaburi Animal Sanctuary by covering its monthly operating costs.

2022:

• LOS ANGELES MUNICIPAL RODEO ORDINANCE AND BULL RIDING PROTEST - LCA continues to support the passage of the L.A. Municipal Rodeo Ordinance, introduced by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield in December 2020, that would ban "tools of torture" that force rodeo animals to perform at events held in L.A. The rodeo cannot hold events without the tools that terrorize animals to perform in events. The Ordinance is ongoing with a City Council vote expected in Fall 2022.
  • February 7, 2022: An op-ed by LCA's Chris Derose, titled "It's Time to Buck the Rodeo", was published in the Los Angeles Daily News advocating for the passage of the Ordinance before the Professional Bull Riders' (PBR) event held at the Crypto.com Arena in late February. The hard-hitting op-ed called out L.A. City Councilmembers on their inaction to bring the Ordinance to a vote, causing further animal suffering at rodeo events held in L.A.
  • February 22, 2022: Cruelty was on full display as the PBR brought its exhibition of animal abuse to the Crypto.com Arena for the "PBR Pluto TV Invitational" bull riding competition. LCA, along with a coalition of animal rights organizations, protested this abhorrent abuse of bulls for profit. Prior to the protest, LCA started a petition urging the Crypto.com Arena to cancel the event. LCA and a coalition of animal rights groups also sent a letter to the Crypto.com Arena demanding the cancellation of the event. The Crypto.com Arena did not respond.
  • November 14, 2022: A poll done by Washington D.C. based Lincoln Park Strategies and commissioned by LCA, found overwhelming support for the "tools of torment" rodeo ordinance. A poll of 600 Los Angeles voting residents found 72% support banning electric prods, flank straps, and other tools that force animals to perform in rodeos. The poll showed strong support for the Ordinance across all demographic groups, including 70% approval among African American respondents and 67% among Latino respondents. 80% of respondents did not know the rodeo was held in Los Angeles or knew very little about them. Only 11% of respondents ever attended a rodeo in L.A. and over 50% of people who attended a rodeo event supported the ordinance.
  • December 7, 2022: The Los Angeles Rodeo Device Ban passed the Personnel, Audits, and Animal Welfare (PAAW) Committee. Councilmembers Paul Koretz and Marqueece Harris-Dawson both voted in favor of the Ordinance. LCA called into the meeting to speak in favor of the Ordinance and encouraged supporters to call in. The Ordinance will advance to the L.A. City Council for a full vote.

• OMNIBUS BILL PASSES THAT PERMANENTLY ELIMINATES CLASS B DEALERS - LCA has achieved a huge win for the animals with President Biden signing the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (commonly called the "Omnibus Act"), on December 29, 2022, which contained an LCA-championed provision to permanently eliminate Class B dealers in the U.S. LCA has aggressively pushed the passage of the Pet Safety and Protection Act (PSPA), however, LCA was successful in getting key language from the PSPA included in the final Omnibus bill. The bill finally contains permanent language blocking the licensing and relicensing of Class B dealers.  No longer does LCA have to make sure this language is always included in the Omnibus bill.

• PET SAFETY PROTECTION ACT (PSPA), H.R.3187 - LCA continues to work on the passage of the PSPA, federal legislation that would permanently stop Class B dealers from selling lost and stolen dogs and cats to research facilities. This was the issue LCA was founded on and historically has been a major problem throughout the United States. The bill was first introduced in Congress in 1985 and every two-year session since then and has failed to pass.
  • February 2022: An op-ed by LCA's Chris DeRose was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the largest newspaper in Pittsburgh. The op-ed called on the House of Representatives to pass the PSPA and end the heinous practice of lost and stolen dogs and cats being sold to research facilities.
  • September 2022: A letter authored by Kim Basinger and signed by 34 other celebrities and influential people was sent to the House of Representatives calling for the passage of the PSPA. Clint and Alison Eastwood, Billie Eilish, Charlize Theron, Kristen Bell, Eddie and Jill Vedder, and Kris Jenner were among the celebrities who signed onto the letter. The letter highlights lost, and stolen companion animals being sold to research is a problem over 50 years old and calls on Congress to enact a permanent solution by passing the PSPA. Read the celebrity letter here.

• SUPPORTING VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK'S AIRWING - LCA continues to be a major supporter of Virunga National Park's AirWing, providing monthly support to the program. In February 2022, LCA donated a new BatWing Aircraft to the AirWing program. The BatWing will patrol the park from the sky, increasing the efficiency of ground patrols, helping keep the Rangers and animals, including the Majestic Mountain Gorillas safe, and provide emergency evacuations for injured Rangers and animals. Throughout 2022, LCA sponsored three Virunga National Park Rangers - Bright Uzunga Bedidjo, Claude Mbaraza Nguo, and Augustin - to go to flight school to become Pilots in the AirWing. This amazing achievement made the local population proud and reached the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, His Excellency, Felix Tshisekedi. In June 2022, LCA sponsored the construction of a 300 m long and 15 m wide airstrip for the Bathawk. The construction took about one week to complete.

•  S. KOREA DOG MEAT OP-ED - July 26, 2022: An op-ed written by Kim Basinger and LCA calling for a dog meat ban was published in The Korea Daily, the largest Korean newspaper in the U.S. with a daily circulation of about 250,000 people. The op-ed attracted major attention and was picked up by other publications, including Newsweek, which described it as "impassioned".

•  S. KOREA MORAN MARKET DOG MEAT INVESTIGATION - Aug 15, 2022: LCA and S. Korean sister organization Animal Liberation Wave (ALW) conducted an undercover investigation between February to June 2022 that revealed the trafficking of pet dogs into the meat trade by "middle merchants" that travel by truck across S. Korea. Investigators witnessed middle merchants buying pet dogs from households, churches and factories that are first sold at dog meat auction houses, then secretly electrocuted in nearby slaughterhouses. The meat from these slaughtered dogs is sold by vendors located in the Seongnam Moran Market, S. Korea's most notorious dog meat market. A petition was created calling on Shin Sang-jin, the Mayor of Seongnam City, to end the dog meat trade at the Moran Market. The investigation was released during Boknal - the hottest days of the Korean summer when the consumption of dog meat soup, known as "Bosintang", rises to combat the extreme heat.

• BOKNAL DEMONSTRATION IN S. KOREA - Aug 15, 2022: On the same day LCA/ALW's undercover investigation was released, about 150 people showed up to protest the Dog Meat Trade outside the Seongnam Moran Market. Wearing LCA/ALW's "Stop Dog Meat" t-shirt, protesters held signs that read, "Stop the Torture and Consumption of Dogs" in English and Korean, and photos of dogs on meat farms taken during undercover investigations. At the front of the protest, a cage stuffed with toy plush dogs symbolized the suffering dogs endure at the hands of the meat industry, and a sign read, "In Memory of the Dogs Killed by the Dog Meat Industry". Protesters left flowers and handwritten notes at the plaque. 

• ALW TESTIFIES AT S. KOREAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY - On 10/7/2022, in the S. Korean National Assembly, the annual audit for the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) was held. Jiyen Lee, from LCA's sister organization, Animal Liberation Wave (ALW), testified in front of MP Han Jeoung-ae at the audit held by the Health and Welfare Committee. Lee spoke to the country's illegal and nightmarish dog meat trade. Lee's testimony highlighted the continuing non-action of the MFDS to enforce the Food Sanitation Act against the operators and workers of illegal dog meat slaughterhouses. LCA/ALW previously released two undercover investigations that documented clear violations of the Act. The MFDS has the power to stop the illegal distribution of dogs for consumption by enforcing the Food Sanitation Act. The MFDS has never cracked down on illegl dog meat vendors, although they recognize that processing, distributing, and cooking dogs for food is a violation of the Act. MP Han Jeoung-ae echoed Lee's statements and strongly criticized the MFDS for its non-action and ordered to ministry to come up with a plan as soon as possible.   

• MANDATORY ANIMAL TESTING ENDS IN THE UNITED STATES - On 12/29/2022, President Biden signed the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 into law. The Act will end the requirement that experimental drugs be tested on animals, allowing for non-animal testing. LCA was founded in 1984 and has been fighting against animal research for over 35 years. In the late 80's, LCA took a camera crew into UCLA's Brain Research Institute, where cats were being tortured as research subjects. LCA has also continued to expose the cruelty of animals in research by going undercover at animal research suppliers and research facilities. In the 80s, LCA's undercover investigations showing animal cruelty in research facilities were shown by media outlets around the world.

• LCA RELEASES NEWEST PSA, SUPER COW - On 9/29/2022, LCA released its newest PSA, Super Cow, on YouTube. Told in gripping stop motion animation and featuring music by Moby, Super Cow is the story of Daisy and her daring escape from slaughter. From writer/director Dustin Brown and produced by LCA, Super Cow sheds light on the millions of animals lost every year to the meat and dairy industries. In 2022, Super Cow was an official selection at both the Highland Park Independent Film Festival and the Vegan Film Festival. 

• FUR-FREE FRIDAY PROTEST - The 36th Annual Fur-Free Friday protest was held on 11/26/2022, and celebrated California being the first state to go fur-free. California's fur ban will go into effect on 1/1/2023, making the sale of new fur and production of fur illegal in California. LCA and dedicated animal rights activists marched down Rodeo Drive raising awareness and educating retailers and shoppers on the horrors of the fur trade. The protesters stopped and targeted the retailers that continue to sell fur outside of California and online. 

• SPEAKING OUT AGAINST BELUGA WHALE DEATHS AT MYSTIC AQUARIUM - June 29, 2022: An Opinion piece written by LCA President, and Founder Chris DeRose entitled, "Americans need to demand change in the face of senseless whale deaths" was published in the Greenwich Time, a Southwest Connecticut newspaper. The article detailed the tragic final hours of Havok, one of the five Beluga whales LCA fought not to transport to Mystic Aquarium from Marineland Canada and called on U.S. policymakers to enact better protection for Marine Mammals.  

2021:

• PROTECTING MOUNTAIN GORILLAS - LCA provides monthly support to Virunga National Park's AirWing program. The Virunga Park Rangers risk their lives daily to protect the Park, the natural resources, local people, wild animals, and the majestic mountain gorillas. A functional and modern AirWing program provides the best possible tool for the park in their anti-poaching, conservation, and security efforts. 2021 saw the completion of the fortification and overhaul of the Katale/LCA airfield hangar and ranger barracks, as well as a 2nd BatHawk aircraft added to the AirWing fleet. Training for Virunga Rangers to become BatHawk pilots has also begun.

• BELUGA WHALE EXPORT - LCA's international campaigns in Canada and the U.S. were aimed at stopping the export of 5 beluga whales from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada to Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut. LCA's position is that Belugas should remain in Canada where they have protections under the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, that passed in 2019.
  • February 2021: In the U.S., LCA joined the Friends of Animals' lawsuit as co-plaintiff against the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to block the import.
  • March 2021: Justice was denied as the U.S. District Court of Connecticut failed to reject the import permit issued by the NMFS to Mystic Aquarium. While LCA was preparing an appeal on the U.S. court decision, the Canadian government issued the export permit allowing Marineland Canada to export the Belugas to Mystic Aquarium.
  • April 2021: LCA lobbied Hon. Bernadette Jordan, Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to deny Marineland Canada's request for an export permit. A change.org petition addressed to Jordan to deny the export garnered over 90,000 supporters.
  • May 2021: LCA called out the hypocrisy of the Canadian government for failing to uphold values of the recently passed Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act when the Hon. Jordan approved Marineland Canada's request to export 5 beluga whales, and over 2,000 emails were sent to Hon. Jordan demanding the export permit be revoked. When the Beluga's were transferred, LCA instated round-the-clock undercover surveillance to monitor the entire transfer and to ensure that any issues with their transportation would be captured on film. LCA continues to follow-up on the status of other cetaceans that should be protected under Canada's Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act.
  • Aug-Sep 2021: LCA conducted investigations into animal cruelty and inadequate living conditions for animals at Marineland and filed complaints with the Provincial Animal Welfare Service (PAWS), Niagara Regional Police, Ministry of Labour and City of Niagara Falls based on concerning animal conditions documented and other regulatory issues. LCA released a press release in support of the defeat of Canada's Fisheries Minister who allowed the transfer of the five Beluga whales to occur.

• LCA LEGAL COMPLAINT LEADS TO CHARGES AGAINST MARINELAND CANADA - In Aug 2021, an LCA investigator attended Marineland performances and documented dolphins doing flips, spinning, having a "dolphin dance party", and performing other tricks on command to music in front of a live audience. Beluga whales were also documented being instructed to perform tricks for food in front of park attendees. Based on the performance, LCA filed a legal complaint in Sept 2021 with the Niagara Regional Police Service based on concerns that Marineland violated a provision of the 2019 Canadian Bill S-203: Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act which prohibits cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) from being used for entertainment purposes. In Dec 2021, the Niagara Regional Police Service announced Marineland Canada was being charged with violating provisions of the Act based on a legal complaint filed by LCA. The police investigation found that dolphins and whales were used for entertainment performances during the month of Aug 2021 without being authorized to do so under the Act. The charges attracted major media attention and the case is currently ongoing before the courts.

• LOS ANGELES MUNICIPAL 'TOOLS OF TORTURE' RODEO ORDINANCE 
  • February 2021: LCA rallied followers to support L.A. City Council File 20-1575, a Motion introduced by Councilmember Bob Blumenfeld on December 8, 2020, that would ban the use of inhumane implements - such as electric prods, flank straps, and spurs or rowels - which force rodeo animals to perform. In February 2021, the L.A. City Council voted unanimously in favor of the Motion. This Ordinance is currently ongoing.
  • September 2021: LCA conducted undercover surveillance of the PBR rodeo in Anaheim, CA, and sent the footage to an expert who concluded, "overall, these bulls are forced to buck beyond their normal bucking patterns which makes them susceptible to injuries including broken legs." The video was sent to L.A. City Councilmembers in support of passage for the Ordinance.
  • October 2021: LCA took out 20 billboards around Los Angeles in support of the Ordinance. The billboards read, "L.A.: Help Ban Torture Devices at the Rodeo" and directed people to visit LCA's www.StopBullRiding.com website. 

• NEW YORK PUPPY MILL RETAIL BAN - LCA mobilized supporters in New York State numerous times during 2021 to speak up and contact their elected officials to support Bills A.4283/S.1130, which would ban retail shops from selling dogs, cats and rabbits originating from breeders and authorizes space for rescue groups to adopt out animals. Introduced into the 2021-2022 legislative session by Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal on January 7, 2021 and Senator Mike Gianaris on February 1, 2022, this important legislation would ultimately cut off the pipeline of dogs bred in puppy mills and sold in New York State retail stores. On June 7, 2022, the New York State Legislature passed the Bill and as of August 2022, is currently awaiting Governor Hochul's signature to become law. April 2021: LCA conducted open-source research and investigations into the supply chain of puppy mills that supply New York.

• RHODE ISLAND ANTI-FUR LEGISLATION - January & April 2021: In Rhode Island, bills HB 5188 and SB 806 were introduced, which would ban the sale of new animal fur products in the state, punishable with maximum fines of $5,000 and up to one year in jail. The legislation acknowledges the cruelty of the fur farming industry and the public health risk of zoonotic disease caused by fur farms, as demonstrated by the outbreak of COVID-19 on mink fur farms. LCA rallied supporters in RI to speak out in support of the legislation, which unfortunately died in Committee after no action was taken.

• GLOBAL FUR BAN – LCA is part of the Fur Free Alliance (FFA), a global coalition of over 50 animal rights organizations, to call for a worldwide ban on fur farming. In August 2021, LCA wrote letters to Canada's G20 Sherpa and Minister of Health urging the Government of Canada to start discussions about banning fur farming ahead of the G20 summit in Rome. On October 21, 2021, the FFA handed over 880,457 signatures to the G20 delegation calling for urgent global action to ban fur farming at the G20 summit in Rome, Italy. LCA's petition collected 72,536 of these signatures.  G20 leaders are being called on to publicly declare that fur farming must end. LCA and the FFA are calling on all fur-producing countries to take urgent action to shut down this cruel industry. Given the immense animal suffering on fur farms and the threat of virus mutations and animal-to-human transmission, it is time to end the global fur farming industry. No animal should suffer and die for a piece of fashion.

• PET SAFETY PROTECTION ACT 2021 (PSPA), H.R.3187 - First introduced in 1996, the PSPA has been re-introduced into Congress every session since then and has never passed. LCA is working with a Lobbyist in Washington, DC, to ensure the PSPA - federal legislation that would stop lost and stolen pets sold to research by Class B dealers - is passed into law. LCA's investigation and bust of notorious Class B dealer, C.C. Baird, released in 2006, proves the necessity of this Bill. This legislation is currently ongoing.
  • May 2021: The PSPA was introduced into Congress by Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) on 5/13/2021. LCA put out a press release thanking the sponsors and set up the website, www.PassThePSPA.com making it easy to connect supporters with their state Representative to demand support for the bill. LCA contacted previous cosponsors asking them to support the PSPA again and an informative fact sheet was sent to Representatives about the issue.
  • July 2021: LCA launched an extensive social media campaign featuring celebrities and their companion animals to educate the public about the campaign. 

• MILLBANK FUR FARM PLEADS GUILTY - March 26, 2021: Following LCA's 2017-2018 undercover investigation into Millbank Fur Farm, a mink fur farm in Ontario, Canada, Millbank pleaded guilty to failing to comply with prescribed standards of care under section 11.1(1) of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Millbank paid over $148,000USD making improvements to its facilities in the areas of animal welfare record keeping; employee training; animal housing; and euthanasia practice. The improvements were verified in inspections by Ontario's Provincial Animal Service (PAWS). In addition, Millbank was ordered to pay a monetary penalty of $5,600CDN. LCA is working towards national anti-fur legislation in Canada.

• FIGHTING AG-GAG IN NORTH AMERICA - LCA continues to run campaigns against proposed ag-gag laws in both the U.S. and Canada.
  • May 2021, Texas: LCA rallied supporters against HB 1480/SB 472, an amendment to the agricultural code introduced in January 2021, which sought to create an ag-gag law in Texas. Although the legislation ultimately passed, it was amended to remove problematic language that would have criminalized whistleblowing in animal agriculture.
  • May 2021, Manitoba, Canada: LCA campaigned against Bill 62, the Animal Diseases Amendment Act, which sought to silence activists by making it illegal to document farmed animals during transport, on farms, and in slaughterhouses. LCA encouraged Manitobans to email their MP's and testified before the legislature. Although Bill 62 ultimately passed, problematic language that would have made whistleblowing a crime was not included in this Bill.
  • June 2021, Canadian Federal Bill: LCA prepared written submissions about the need for transparency to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food and set up an email action to easily connect Canadians with their Members of Parliament to speak out against proposed federal ag-gag bill C205, introduced in February 2020 in Canada's House of Commons. LCA continues to monitor and campaign against this federal ag-gag bill.

• INVESTIGATION OF SOUTH KOREA'S DOG MEAT INDUSTRY - July 2021: LCA, working with South Korean sister organization Animal Liberation Wave (ALW), released a comprehensive, 8-month undercover investigation into South Korea's dog meat industry that focused on the Seongnam Moran Market, aka the "Mecca of Dog Meat" and facilities related to the market. In North America, the investigation was narrated by actress and activist Kim Basinger, and the South Korean video was narrated by actress and activist Lim Semi. Investigators documented systemic cruelty to dogs at farms, auction houses, and slaughterhouses. Throughout the investigation, LCA and ALW documented an ongoing pattern of animal abuse in clear violation of animal protection laws and have filed animal cruelty complaints with officials in South Korea. As of July 2021, over 35,000 global signatures have been garnered on LCA's change.org petition demanding the South Korean National Assembly immediately pass legislation introduced in December 2020, that would ban the slaughter of dogs and cats for food.

• S. KOREA SLAUGHTERHOUSE RAIDS AND DOG RESCUES - July 2021: LCA and ALW, working with Police, Animal Protection Officers, Journalists and Activists, raided two illegal slaughterhouses documented during LCA/ALW's investigation that came out July 2021. As a result of the raids, the slaughterhouses were closed down, lawsuits were filed, and fines were issued to the owner and employees of the slaughterhouse. Nine dogs awaiting slaughter were also rescued. LCA partnered with START Rescue to bring the dogs - Waterboy, Rown, Blossom, Vandal, Lorian, Naru, Chunsam, Star, and Ally - to the United States and adopt them into loving homes. The dogs arrived in the U.S. between Sept-Nov 2021. To date, Waterboy, Rown, Blossom, Vandal and Lorian have been adopted. Chunsam, Star, Naru, and Ally are available for adoption through START Rescue.

• STOP DOG MEAT BANNER DROP - October 2021: Activists with LCA/ALW dropped a huge, 100' x 100' "Stop Dog Slaughter" banner from a building in one of Seoul's busiest districts. The banner featured a photo taken of a slaughtered dog during LCA/ALW's investigation into the Moran Market and aimed to mount pressure on the National Assembly to pass legislation introduced in December 2020 to end the dog meat trade.

• FUR FREE FRIDAY PROTEST – LCA’s 35th Annual Fur-Free Friday protest was held on Black Friday, November 26th, and called on governments to Ban Fur Globally and retailers to Stop Selling Cruelty. Demonstrators marched along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, CA, protesting outside retailers still selling fur (including Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana). The protest was attended by a large group of dedicated activists, including artist E.G. Daily, actress Alexandra Paul and LCA President and Founder Chris DeRose. A video billboard truck displayed graphic images of the extreme cruelty inflicted on animals by the fur industry.

• CANADA FUR BAN - September 2021: Over 1,000 people emailed Canada's four main political parties during the federal election urging the parties to ban fur farming in Canada. LCA also participated in the Reel Fur Film to advocate for a Canada-wide ban on fur farming.

• PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND'S ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS - February 2021: LCA lobbied the Government of Prince Edward Island in Canada to improve the protection for animals under its laws.

• ANN ARBOR, MI, RETAIL FUR BAN - August 2021: LCA worked with a coalition of animal rights groups to ensure the passage of a municipal retail fur sales ban in Ann Arbor, MI. Michigan is a large fur producing state and in 2020, an outbreak of COVID-19 on a mink fur farm occurred. This historic Ordinance, voted in unanimously by City Council, sets a precedent that animal abuse is not tolerated in Ann Arbor, and public health is put before the profits of an industry. 

2020:

• GLOBAL FUR BAN -  During 2020, LCA joined forces with the Fur Free Alliance, a global coalition of over 50 animal rights groups worldwide, to call for a global ban on fur farming. LCA's petition, which was launched in December 2020, and garnered over 72,000 signatures from people around the world demanding an end to the cruel fur trade.  All signatures collected from members of the Fur Free Alliance will be handed over to the G20 delegation summit in Rome, Italy in 2021. The campaign aims to raise awareness on the link between COVID-19 and mink fur farms and to draw attention to the horrific cruelty animals face on fur farms worldwide.

• FUR FREE FRIDAY PROTEST - LCA's 34th Annual Fur Free Friday demonstration was held on November 27, 2020, and attended by dedicated activists who showed up to safely protest during COVID-19. Demonstrators educated the public on the link between COVID-19 and mink fur farms. Protesters also stopped outside retailers still selling fur (Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Dolce & Gabbana), urging these companies to go fur-free immediately, and not wait for the California fur ban to be enacted in 2023.

• STOP DOG MEAT BILLBOARD - November 2020: LCA and sister organization Animal Liberation Wave (ALW), put up a billboard featuring Seorak, a dog rescued from a S. Korean slaughterhouse, in one of Seoul Metro's busiest stations. The billboard reads, "Dogs Loved and Dogs Eaten? No Difference!" and raises awareness that dogs tortured, slaughtered and sold for meat are no different than beloved family pets. Seorak's billboard will expose millions of S. Koreans to the horrible suffering of dogs raised for meat.

• STOP DOG MEAT OPEN LETTER - July 2020: LCA and ALW, along with weACT and Seorak, a dog rescued from a slaughterhouse, delivered an open letter to the Blue House in S. Korea urging the government to remove dogs from the "livestock" classification in order to end the dog meat trade. The open letter was signed by 37 influential people, including Kim Basinger, Jane Goodall, and Peter Singer.

• FIGHTING AG-GAG LAWS IN CANADA - During 2020, LCA's legal team was at the forefront of the fight against ag-gag Bill 156 introduced in Ontario, Canada in December 2019. LCA testified before the Ontario Legislature about the importance of whistleblowing in animal agriculture and the dangers of Bill 156. LCA also proved that transparency in agriculture to Ontarians through a poll of Ontarians and presented the results of the poll to the government, which was published in numerous newspapers across Canada. LCA's op-ed by legal counsel on the importance of transparency in agriculture was shared so widely in the Canadian media that the Ontario Minister of Agriculture responded with his own op-ed. LCA held a joint press conference with Humane Society International - Canada, Animal Justice and Mercy For Animals and presented footage of conditions discovered through undercover investigations into animal agriculture, to show Ontarians why ag-gag bills are dangerous.

• STOP DOG MEAT DEMONSTRATION - May 14, 2020: LCA and ALW staged a demonstration against the S. Korean government's failure to ban the dog meat trade amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The demonstration signaled the start of an international petition demanding S. Korean President Moon Jae-in eliminate the dog meat trade. The petition garnered over 65,000 signatures.

• VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK'S FALLEN RANGERS - LCA President Chris DeRose condemned the senseless attack of violence that left 17 people dead, including 12 Virunga Rangers, their driver, and 4 civilians on April 24, 2020. Three Rangers survived the attack. Virunga Park's AirWing used LCA donated planes to medivac the injured and transport the fallen Rangers and driver back home to their families. LCA has been a major supporter of the AirWing program since 2016.

• LCA SUPPORTING VIRUNGA'S AIRWING PROGRAM - LCA continues to be a major supporter of Virunga National Park's AirWing program. In 2020, contruction began on a hangar at Katale/LCA airfield near Virunga's headquarters to safely house the growing fleet of the AirWing's aircraft. This project came after fortifying the entire airfield with 2-meter-high bastion walls. 2021 fundraising goals are the completion of the airfield hangar and the donation of a second BatHawk aircraft to the AirWing fleet.

• BULL RIDING PROTEST - February 8, 2020: LCA, along with actress Donna D'Errico and a coalition of animal rights organizations, protested Professional Bull Rider's abhorrent abuse of bulls for profit. The demonstration, which was held at the Staples Center, drew a large crowd of protesters who educated passers-by on the cruelties of bull riding. Supporters were encouraged to sign LCA's petition calling on Los Angeles to ban rodeo events. The petition collected over 20,000 signatures.

• ESCARPMENT'S EDGE DAIRY - January 2, 2020: LCA released an undercover investigation of Escarpment's Edge Dairy (EED), a goat farm in Caledon, Ontario. This investigation was the first goat dairy farm investigation in Canada. LCA's investigator witnessed goats being dragged and pulled by their legs, goats crawling on their knees with overgrown hooves, and goats with lesions and infections; a police complaint was filed and EED was inspected multiple times because of the police complaint.

2019:

• MARINELAND CANADA - In December 2019, LCA filed a complaint with the Ontario Minister of the Solicitor General against Marineland Canada based on performances of cetaceans. The complaint was filed after the passage of Canadian Bill S-203 on June 21, 2019, which criminalizes profiting from captive cetaceans used for entertainment purposes. LCA attended, observed, and took video recordings of a dolphin show at Marineland on August 6, 2019. LCA observed Marineland selling tickets to patrons allowing them to access the park and watch the dolphin show, and a Beluga whale encounter that permitted patrons to pet and touch Beluga whales.

• LAWSUIT AGAINST S. KOREAN UNIVERSITY LIVE TESTING ON DOGS - LCA and S. Korean sister organization ALW filed a lawsuit against a Kyngpook National University (KNU) professor after a whistleblower exposed live experiments on dogs obtained from a meat market. The university cancelled the course following public outcry.

• LCA SAVING MOUNTAIN GORILLAS - LCA continued to support Virunga National Park's AirWing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 2019, LCA provided supplies for the airplanes, a new roof for one of the hangars and a MSA Gallet LH250 Helmet for Anthony Caere, Head of Virunga's AirWing. Construction of a new hangar to house the airplanes and ranger quarters are currently underway.

• FUR FREE FRIDAY PROTEST - November 29, 2019: Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, marked LCA's 33rd Annual Fur-Free Friday demonstration led by actress Donna D'Errico and model Raine Michaels. The event drew a large crowd of anti-fur protesters demanding retailers still selling fur commit to going fur-free immediately, and not wait until January 1, 2023 when the California fur ban takes effect. LCA awarded Versace and Prada with Certificates of Recognition for committing to going fur-free.

• NEW YORK FOIE GRAS BAN - October 30, 2019: The New York City Council passed 1378A, a bill that bans the sale of foie gras in New York City. LCA worked on Intro 1378A as part of a coalition led by Voters for Animal Rights - that worked tirelessly to see the bill passed. Intro 1378A was signed into law by Mayor Bill de Blasio on November 25, 2019.

• SEOUL, S. KOREA BANS DOG SLAUGHTER - October 26, 2019: Mayor Park Won-soon officially declared all dog meat slaughterhouses would be closed in Seoul, S. Korea on October 31, 2019. LCA's S. Korean sister organization Animal Liberation Wave (ALW) and a coalition of other animal protection groups and activists celebrated the announcement at an event in Seoul's Namsan Park.

• EXPOSING UNLICENSED S. KOREAN DOG AUCTION IN GIMPO - July 31, 2019: LCA's S. Korean sister organization, Animal Liberation Wave (ALW), exposed an unlicensed auction house in S. Korea that sold dogs for consumption. With the assistance of JTBC - a leading S. Korean newscast - activists documented how dogs are loaded, transported by truck, and auctioned out to be slaughtered. The exposure led to the closure of the auction house.

• SHEIK HALAL FARMS SLAUGHTERHOUSE EXPOSED - May 2019: LCA released an undercover investigation into Sheik Halal Farms slaughterhouse (a provincially licensed meat plant) in Ontario, Canada, which LCA conducted over the course of four months in 2017 and 2018. Incidents of apparent animal abuse, disturbing practices, and possible violations of food handling safety procedures were documented.

• BOKNAL PROTEST IN SEOUL, S. KOREA - July 12, 2019: LCA, S. Korean sister organization Animal Liberation Wave (ALW), and actress Kim Basinger hosted a demonstration in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, S. Korea to protest the dog meat trade and to urge the S. Korean government to pass MP Pyo's proposed amendment to the Animal Protection Act, which would ban the slaughter of dogs and cats for meat.

• FIGHTING AG-GAG LAWS - In 2019, LCA campaigned against Texas ag-gag law SB 1884, which passed the House Agriculture & Livestock committee on the House floor. House legislators had until Tuesday, May 21, 2019,  to vote on the bill; however, the bill was not brought up for a vote and cannot be heard until the next legislative session in 2021.

• STOPPING THE DOG MEAT TRADE - March 2019: LCA and ALW launched the "Stop the Villain Truck" campaign—a truck filled with fake, stuffed dogs driven around the streets of S. Korea—to raise awareness for the barbaric dog meat trade and to urge MPs to review and pass MP Chang-won's proposed amendment to the Animal Protection Act.

• HONORED AT TELLY AWARDS - LCA's "Casa de Carne" took home six Telly Awards in the Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories at the 40th Annual Telly Awards. LCA's 2018 PSA "Food for Thought" was also awarded one Gold and two Silver Telly Awards.

• BULL RIDING PROTEST AT THE STAPLES CENTER - Feb 23, 2019: LCA—along with actress Donna D'Errico and a coalition of animal rights organization—protested the Professional Bull Riders' Unleash the Beast tour at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The demo drew a large crowd of protesters who educated passers-by about the cruelties of bull riding.

• HONORED AT ANIMAL FILM FESTIVAL - Feb 9, 2019: LCA's thought-provoking PSA "Casa de Carne" screened at the Animal Film Festival, winning the 1st place Tarshis Award for "successfully, creatively, and convincingly highlight[ing] the issues of animal suffering in modern farming, and for providing messages that influence people to pursue a more plant-based lifestyle."

 

2018:

• LUXURY BRANDS GO FUR-FREE - Nov 23, 2018: LCA held its 32nd Annual Fur-Free Friday protest along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, CA to urge merchants to stop using fur in their products. In 2018, luxury brands Burberry, Chanel, Coach, and Versace announced their commitment to going fur-free, and on Sept 18, 2018, LA City Council approved a ban on the manufacture/sale of fur in Los Angeles.

• STOPPING THE DOG MEAT TRADE - Throughout 2018, LCA and ALW implemented a series of strategic events aimed at ending the brutal slaughter of dogs for meat. In Feb 2018, LCA and ALW launched the Flower Dog project, a mobile art installation of eight dogs that each have a specific name, color, and meaning to represent the dogs suffering in the dog meat trade, at six different venues during the PyeongChang Olympics. From Sept 27 to Oct 22, 2018, the Flower Dogs were on display in the main lobby of the S. Korean National Assembly as MPs convened to discuss and vote on three important anti-dog meat bills. In May 2018, poll results commissioned by LCA and ALW showed more than half of S. Koreans were against dog meat, serving as a catalyst for the S. Korean government to finally address the issue. On AUG 10th, the Blue House announced the social consensus of dog meat was changing and said they would seek out solutions in line with the changing society. On Nov 22, 2018, LCA and ALW launched a beam projection onto the National Assembly to raise awareness for the cruel dog meat industry.

• WORLD'S LARGEST PROTEST AGAINST S. KOREAN DOG MEAT TRADE - On July 17, 2018, LCA and ALW held three demonstrations simultaneously in LA, Washington D.C., and Seoul, S. Korea to protest the S. Korean dog meat trade. The protests were held on Bok Nal, known as the hottest days of the Korean summer when consumption of dog meat soup rise as it's the food of choice for combating the extreme heat.

• SUPPORTING VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK'S AIRWING - In 2018, LCA was able to support Virunga in purchasing the land their airfield is located on, now called Katale-LCA Airfield, which was a major turning point for Virunga's AirWing as they were previously forced to rent the land and were constantly faced with threats of being kicked out. 

• INVESTIGATION OF MILLBANK FUR FARM - On May 11, 2018, LCA released the first in-depth undercover investigation into the fur farming industry in Canada, documenting horrific accounts of animal neglect at Millbank Fur Farm Ltd. in Ontario, Canada. LCA submitted the evidence in a complaint to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, leading them to charge Millbank with 14 counts of animal cruelty.

• PROTESTS LIMITS REMOVED - On April 12, 2018, LCA and the ACLU of Pennsylvania announced an important victory in the fight for animal rights. A federal judge struck down a protest policy at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes Barre, PA—making it unlawful to confine protesters to barricaded areas or to ban voice amplification. The court decision came in response to a lawsuit filed days before the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performed its final show with the elephants in 2016. 

• HONORED AT ANIMAL FILM FESTIVAL - On Feb 17, 2018, LCA's thought-provoking PSA "Food for Thought" screened at the Animal Film Festival, winning the 2nd place Tarshis Award.

2017:

• LUXURY BRANDS GO FUR-FREE – In 2017, LCA continued to campaign for designers to end their use of fur and hosted an annual Fur Free Friday protest along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, CA.  This year the fur-free movement gained tremendous momentum with numerous leaders in the fashion community adopting fur-free policies.  Luxury brands Gucci, Michael Kors, and Jimmy Choo all announced that they will be going fur-free in 2018.  LCA has been at the forefront of the fur-free movement for over thirty years. In 2011, LCA and other animal protection organizations joined forces to support the groundbreaking ordinance which banned the sale of fur in West Hollywood. This fur ban was first of its kind in the United States and paved the way for Berkeley to follow suit earlier this year.  

• RETAIL PET STORES BANNED IN CALIFORNIA – LCA supported AB 485, which was signed into law on October 13, 2017, making California the first state in the nation to ban the retail sale of commercially bred dogs, cats, and rabbits. The legislation provides California’s homeless pets a greater chance of finding a home by requiring retail pet stores to source their animals from municipal shelters, humane societies, and rescues.  In addition to the immediate lifesaving impact of this law, it will serve as a means to curtail the cruel and inhumane puppy mill industry, which LCA has long worked to shut down through undercover investigations, grassroots and legislative advocacy, and corporate outreach.  

• RINGLING BROS. CIRCUS SHUT DOWN –  LCA celebrated Ringling Bros. Circus, the cruelest show on earth, finally closing after 146 years, in May 2017. The final performance marked the end of a cruel era of Ringling breeding animals or stealing them from the wild and forcing them to perform demeaning, unnatural tricks out of fear. The end of Ringling Bros. is a hard-won victory that followed decades of investigations and protests by LCA. LCA has been at the forefront of the movement against Ringling Bros. that garnered international attention exposing the severe animal cruelty that Ringling tried so desperately to hide.  

• INVESTIGATION INTO ITR LABORATORIES CANADA, LTD. – LCA released an undercover investigation in March 2017, which exposed horrific cruelty at ITR Laboratories Canada, a government-contracted toxicology research facility that performs laboratory studies on beagles, mini pigs, and macaque monkeys. This groundbreaking investigation was the first exposure of the gross mistreatment of laboratory animals inside Canadian research facilities. LCA’s footage showed evidence of ITR’s grave neglect and mistreatment of animals. Following the investigation, LCA filed complaints with the appropriate enforcement agencies and governing bodies in Canada that oversee animals and agriculture.

• DONATED PLANE ARRIVES IN VIRUNGA: LCA and the Cindy & Michael Landon Foundation's donated Cessna 206 aircraft took off from Alamosa, Colorado on Monday, March 20, 2017, and after being ferried 8,600 miles to Entebbe, Uganda, reached its final destination of Virunga National Park in the Congo on Tuesday, April 11, 2017. The donated plane will greatly expand Virunga's Air Wing capabilities to help the park's brave rangers protect the land and the wildlife -- including the endangered mountain gorilla!

2016:

• STOPPING THE CORMORANT SLAUGHTER - LCA teamed up with SHARK (Showing Animals Respect and Kindness) to intercept the mass slaughter of cormorants by federal government agents on East Sand Island in northern Oregon. Equipped with multiple cameras and a drone capable of capturing aerial video, they followed USDA Wildlife Services and effectively blocked the cormorant cull as the hunters would not kill on camera.
  
  
• HELPING MOUNTAIN GORILLAS - LCA is providing critical equipment to Virunga National Park's AirWing program, helping to protect endangered mountain gorillas as well as the safety of the rangers. Park Rangers face the daily threat of death by rebel militias, and this aerial program helps them monitor the area and react quickly to threats. LCA has provided Virunga with airplane bush wheels, mobile LED airstrip lighting and tool chests and continues to provide the Rangers with more vital equipment.
  
  
• INVESTIGATION INTO MARINELAND, CANADA - LCA released a five-month undercover investigation into Marineland, Canada with a primary focus on the park’s beluga whale population. The investigation revealed disturbingly inadequate housing and treatment of the animals. LCA filed a complaint with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and is urging the Canadian government to pass bill S-203, the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, which would protect whales by banning their capture, confinement, breeding, and sale. 

• RINGLING BROS CIRCUS ENDS THE ELEPHANT ACT - In January, Ringling Bros. announced they would end the elephant act on May 1, 2016 - 18 months ahead of schedule. LCA has investigated and campaigned against the cruel use of elephants and other animals in the circus for more than 35 years and helped lead the largest circus protest in history outside the Ringling Bros. show in Los Angeles. For more than three decades, LCA exposed abusive circus practices and raised public awareness, paving the way for legislation like the bullhook ban. “Anti-elephant” ordinances, such as bull hook bans, have made it increasingly difficult for Ringling to continue on with their elephant act.
• CLASS B DEALERS OUT OF BUSINESS! - As of January 1, 2016, Class B dealers who sell "random source" dogs and cats to medical research may not obtain licenses or renew existing licenses. As part of the 2016 Omnibus Spending Bill, Congress voted to block all USDA funding for such licenses, effectively putting B dealers out of business. This tremendous victory follows more than 35 years of intensive undercover investigations, prosecutions, and campaigns by LCA, who was instrumental in the decline of this ruthless industry. LCA proved that many of the animals sold by Class B dealers to medical labs were family pets, stolen from their homes or fraudulently obtained from "free to good home" ads. With the end of B dealers, America's companion animals are safe from being stolen and sold into research facilities.

2015:

• CHINA DOG MEAT SLAUGHTERHOUSES - In December, LCA released an undercover investigation into dog meat slaughterhouses in China’s Jilin province. Investigators documented workers beating the dogs with clubs, slicing their throats and burning and boiling them — many of the dogs were stolen pets. The gruesome footage was shared with local authorities, who forced the closure of two major dog slaughterhouses. LCA continues to pressure Chinese lawmakers by urging the passage of animal cruelty laws.

• YULIN DOG MEAT FESTIVAL - In October, LCA led a massive march of protest against the dog meat festival, coordinating with reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump. More than 1,000 protesters attended the event.  In June, LCA launched StopDogMeat.com, campaigning against the bloody "celebration" during the summer solstice in Yulin, China. LCA’s Special Investigations Unit traveled to Yulin to document and expose the event, while LCA’s online petition against the festival gathered over 400,000 signatures in two weeks.  LCA’s video about the festival went viral, garnering more than 11 million views on Facebook. Due to increased worldwide public outcry, an estimated 20% fewer dogs lost their lives compared to previous years.

• CHRISTENSEN FARMS - In August, LCA released footage from a four-month investigation into a Christensen Farms pig breeding facility in Luverne, Minnesota. The undercover investigation of the 4th largest pig producer in the U.S. revealed systematic cruelty to animals, including slapping, kicking and punching pigs, stabbing pigs with pens, improperly euthanizing pigs and piglets, and dragging sows by their snouts and ears. LCA filed a criminal complaint with the Rock County Sheriff's Office; who later declined to press charges. Christensen Farms fired five employees after reviewing LCA's video.

• RABBIT MEAT -  In May, LCA revealed an undercover investigation exposing shocking animal cruelty at the largest rabbit slaughterhouse in America, the Pel-Freez processing plant in Rogers, Arkansas. LCA pushed for criminal charges to be filed against Pel-Freez and filed an FTC complaint against Pel-Freez buyer D’Artagnan, Inc. for falsely advertising their rabbit meat as humanely sourced. LCA also staged petitions and protests against two local "upscale" grocery chains in Los Angeles, Bristol Farms and Gelson’s, for selling rabbit meat from Pel-Freez.  Following the protests, Gelson’s pulled all rabbit meat from the shelves.

• END AG-GAG LAWS - In March, LCA launched the End Ag-Gag Laws campaign to fight the agriculture industry's recent flood of censorship legislation. In an effort to stifle animal rights investigators, agriculture giants are attempting to pass laws that make it illegal to record the brutality at factory farms and other facilities. LCA successfully beat out an ag-gag bill in Arkansas by bringing unexpected media attention from ABC news, as well as a citizen's petition. Ag-gag bills in other states are monitored and targeted in this ongoing campaign.

• VICTORY FOR RINGLING BROS. ELEPHANTS! - In March, after decades of pressure from LCA and other animal rights organizations and concerned citizens, Ringling Bros. finally announced a plan to eliminate the elephant act in 2018. This is a step forward in the right direction, but the battle is not over. This is three years too long; LCA created the No Circus Cruelty campaign, with a petition urging Ringling Bros. to release the elephants asap to suitable sanctuaries. 

• FACTORY FARM 360 - In January, LCA released the first-ever interactive, 360-degree footage from the inside of factory farms. Investigators placed high-tech 360-degree cameras in a pig farm, "broiler" chicken farm and a free-range egg farm to show the world how miserable conditions at these facilities are for the animals. The cutting-edge 360-degree videos can be seen at FactoryFarm360.org.

2014:

• HUGE BLOW TO B DEALERS - In October, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) stopped funding all medical research on dogs obtained from USDA licensed Class B dealers, who sell "random" dogs that are often stolen from their families. As the largest funder of medical research in the U.S., the NIH effectively put many B dealers out of business with this decision. LCA's investigative work into B dealers was a key influencer in this historical action and was referenced in the NIH official report.

• MOUNTAIN GORILLA CONSERVATION IN UGANDA, AFRICA - LCA succeeded in purchasing and shipping a new Motorola Aerial Communication System to the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA).  This updated radio equipment has had a significant impact on the safety of the gorillas as the coverage and speed of radio communications has vastly improved for all park operations, especially patrols.  The new Motorola Aerial system came complete with 11 VHF Aerial Outstations, 11 Motorola DP4400 VHF Desk Top Units and 50 Motorola DP2400 VHF Portable Digital Radios.

• AIR FRANCE PROTESTS - In October, LCA held two unique, dramatic protests to urge Air France to stop shipping monkeys to research labs, where they undergo invasive and barbaric experiments. Protestors dressed in black to mourn the lives of the primates – who are often kidnapped from their homes in the wild – and held large signs with the faces of some of the monkeys Air France has shipped to labs.

• RINGLING BROS., GET OUT OF TOWN! - In April, July and August, LCA protested outside Ringling Bros. circuses in Los Angeles and San Diego, CA to educate the public on the cruel methods used to train elephants, big cats, and other animals, and also to urge Ringling Bros. to stop using animals in their shows. The protests were attended by thousands and garnered extensive media coverage.

2013:

• FUR-FREE WEHO BAN GOES INTO EFFECT - On September 21, 2013, Ordinance #11-877, which bans the sale of fur products in the City of West Hollywood (WeHo), CA went into effect. It makes WeHo the world’s first Fur-Free city. LCA was instrumental in the long, successful campaign for a “Fur-Free WeHo.” The ordinance first passed in November 2011. WeHo retailers can no longer sell apparel that is made from the skin or pelt of animals with hair, wool or fur. This ordinance sets a precedent for the rest of the world and is the first of its kind in the United States. LCA's Fur-Free campaign is aimed at encouraging consumers to shop cruelty-free and to educate retailers that they do not have to sell products that promote the needless suffering of animals.

• DOG AND CAT MEAT TRADE IN CHINA EXPOSED! SLAUGHTERHOUSE & 33 MARKETS CLOSED DOWN! A dog and cat meat slaughterhouse and 33 market stalls were closed down in Nanhai, China following a joint investigation with LCA, Animal Equality and Volunteer Centre of Guangzhou. This victory came after footage obtained in an undercover investigation was used to report the illegal trade to authorities. None of the stalls had official or legal certificates for the dogs and cats as most of the animals were stolen before being sold and brutally slaughtered for their meat. During the raid and closure, police seized more than 600 dogs and cats.

• INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL RIGHTS CONFERENCE - In September, LCA sponsored and attended the annual International Animal Rights Conference held in Luxembourg. LCA’s President & Founder, Chris DeRose's presentation, "Animal Rights: 35 Years in the Making!" drew record numbers. The conference reached out via live streaming to over 100,000 people and was attended by news media, animal advocates and groups from 35 different countries.

2012:

• COSTA RICA PUPPY MILL - In January, LCA’s Chris DeRose, traveled to Costa Rica at the request of a coalition of Costa Rican animal protection and rescue groups to gather undercover documentation of the inhumane conditions at four separate puppy mills. The undercover footage was provided to major news outlets and delivered to SENASA, the animal law enforcement agency in Costa Rica. Because LCA was able to obtain video evidence of the deplorable conditions of one mill, in particular, SENASA was forced to send officials to investigate the mill closing one of the worse mills in Costa Rica.

• BAN LIVE EXPORT - Following LCA's Chris DeRose speaking at the News Corps AGM in October 2011 and receiving confirmation from Rupert Murdoch that News Corps media outlets would provide a fair and impartial voice on the Ban Live Animal Export topic, several articles written by DeRose condemning Live Animal Export in Australia appeared in eight News Corps publications. DeRose also appeared on HLN Jane Velez-Mitchel show bringing exposure to the issue in the US. LCA continues to work with Animals Australia to educate the public on the issue and to put pressure on the Australian government to end live animal export.

• LCA’S MOST WANTED - In February, a 10-month-old Pitbull puppy was found with her face burned, muzzle bound with tape, skull fractured, and a severed right front paw and shattered left paw. Rescuers named her Valentine because she was found so close to Valentine's Day. LCA offered a $5,000 reward for any tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Valentine's torture. After seeing LCA’s reward poster, a woman came forward with information that helped lead authorities to a 17-year-old Lucerne Valley, CA resident. The teen was sentenced on May 29th to 1-year probation, 40 hours OF community service and an order prohibiting ownership of a dog for one year.

• HAWAII PUPPY MILL - In February Hawaii District Court Judge David Lo imposed the maximum financial penalties possible under Hawaiian law against Bradley International Inc., the corporate parent company of Bradley Hawaiian Puppies, the puppy mill LCA investigated and shut down in 2011. The fines totaled $685,116.27.

• DOG FIGHTING - In 2011 and 2012, LCA conducted investigations into dog fighting rings in Illinois and Tennessee. Information from the investigations was given to National Geographic for a documentary meant to raise awareness of the horrors of dogfighting and its dangerous effects on communities. The footage will be used to encourage the enforcement of dog fighting laws by providing police with the footage they can use to prosecute perpetrators.

• LCA’S MOST WANTED - In May, LCA offered a $7,500 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the suspected animal abuser and murderer Luka Magnotta. Magnotta posted videos of animal abuse and torture back in 2010 but LCA’s repeated warnings to law enforcement were ignored and then in May, Magnotta posted a video of himself killing and dismembering his alleged ex-lover, a Chinese exchange student named Lin Jun. LCA’s Special Investigative Unit attempted to lure the killer out using covert tactics often reserved for law enforcement and intelligence agencies. LCA’s Chris DeRose appeared on CNN’s Jane Velez-Mitchell to talk about animal abuse is the first step to violent and fatal crimes towards humans.

2011:

• LCA's Special Investigative Unit traveled to Japan to assist with animal rescue after the devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11th. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes and many of them were forced to leave their companion animals behind. LCA's team made three separate trips to Japan, rescuing over 400 animals, moving them to safety and reuniting some animals with their grateful guardians.

• In March, NBC Miami broadcast a story exposing the multi-million dollar internet puppy business following LCA's undercover investigation. The online puppy brokers, Breeders Direct and Premium Breeders, knowingly lied to customers, shipping dirty, infested, infected, and sick puppies to its customers. The investigation and subsequent national media coverage exposed thousands of viewers to the horrific link between puppy mills and internet pet sales.

• LCA and a coalition of animal advocates came together to ban the sale of fur in West Hollywood, CA. An ordinance to ban the sale of fur apparel in West Hollywood was drafted in May 2011, and on September 20, 2011, the City Council voted 5-0 to pass the ordinance, making West Hollywood the first fur-free city in the nation. LCA now hopes to roll this ban out across the nation!

• LCA held the largest circus demo in world history on July 20th, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles against Ringling Brothers. Over 500 people advocating on behalf of the circus animals turned up to protest The Cruelest Show on Earth.

• Following LCA's undercover investigation into the illegal sale of animals in the Santee Alley fashion district of downtown Los Angeles, an ordinance was proposed that will prohibit the purchase of live animals on public streets and sidewalks. The LA City Council voted to adopt the ordinance on August 10, 2011 and L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa signed the ordinance which then took effect on September 25th, 2011. The new ordinance makes it illegal for any person to purchase, offer to purchase, barter, or receive without cost, live animals on public streets and sidewalks.

• LCA’s Chris DeRose was the only invited guest at News Corporation's AGM in October 2011. During the meeting, DeRose persuaded News Corps founder, chairman, and CEO, Rupert Murdoch, to condemn Australia’s live animal export and promise to provide a forum for a fair and impartial voice through News Corps media outlets. On February 25, 2012, the first Op-Ed, written by DeRose and condemning live export, appeared in The Australian, Australia’s “most influential and prestigious,” and only daily newspaper.

2010:

• LCA conducted an undercover investigation into a puppy mill in Hawaii, resulting in 152 dogs being rescued from the mill, and evidence against the people running the mill being handed over to prosecutors to press charges.

• After LCA’s undercover investigation into the illegal sale of whale meat at The Hump restaurant in Santa Monica, CA, Federal law enforcement officials brought charges against the owners and the chef for illegally selling the meat of an endangered animal (the Sei whale), and the restaurant shut down.

• LCA held the largest circus demo in Los Angeles history on July 14th, 2010 at Staples Center against Ringling Brothers. Over 300 people advocating on behalf of the circus animals turned up to protest The Cruelest Show on Earth. Undercover video taken by an LCA investigator of circus elephants being beaten during training sessions was shown. Numerous families turned in their tickets and left the arena when shown the footage. Anti-circus literature was handed out and many families declined to attend the circus.

2009:

• LCA led the rescue of over 230 dogs and 25 cats from one of the worst cases of animal abuse in California's Mojave Desert. LCA's SIU was asked to investigate a horrific hoarding situation by the producers of National Geographic's, The Dog Whisperer. After LCA investigated and spoke with the owners of the property, Bemis, and Trapani, sole permission was given to LCA to rescue the neglected and abused animals, which was accomplished after two hot and difficult months. Bemis and Trapani were convicted and sentenced to 20 combined counts of animal cruelty.

• LCA takes The Dog Whisperer's Cesar Millan undercover inside a Lancaster County, CA puppy mill. A special episode of "The Dog Whisperer: Inside Puppy Mills" shows LCA and Cesar teaming up to rescue and rehabilitate dogs from puppy mills.

2008:

• LCA helped in the conservation of the endangered Mountain Gorillas by providing 120 very specialized GPS units, the eTrex Legend HCx, to the Ugandan and Rwandan Wildlife Authorities who protect the last remaining gorillas. These GPS units help the rangers pinpoint the gorilla's locations in the extremely rugged and dangerous conditions they work in.

• LCA busts some of the largest cockfighting rings across the country. The Van Buren, AR cockfighting bust led to over 80 people faced with animal cruelty charges. This trial is precedent-setting, with the highest number of animal cruelty charges ever at one time for cockfighting.

• LCA rescues the "Lucky Eleven" from a Midwest research facility. Eleven Class B dogs, in an unprecedented move, were released from a research facility to LCA. Ranging from 2–6 years old, eight of the dogs had spent their entire lives in and out of research facilities. Three of the rescued dogs were previous companion animals.

• LCA launched the "Puppy Mill Free Stores" campaign, aimed at educating the public that "designer dogs" for sale in pet shops come from puppy mills, and buying puppy mill dogs supports the despicable puppy mill industry. Through a combination of non-stop peaceful protests and information gathered from LCA's investigations, LCA shut down four pet stores in Los Angeles during 2008 that sold dogs originating from puppy mills. Two Los Angeles based pet stores, OrangeBone and Pet's Delight have stopped selling animals from puppy mills and instead, are working with LCA and exclusively carrying only rescue dogs in the fight to put an end to puppy mills and to save the thousands of dogs in Los Angeles area shelters. These stores are a model for other pet stores nationwide to "GO HUMANE!" ADOPT, DON'T SHOP!

• A Los Angeles County puppy mill releases over 100 dogs because of LCA's investigation. The puppy mill was ordered to reduce their numbers to comply with county law. LCA is using this victory as an example for stricter laws concerning puppy mills in California.

• LCA hosted the 5th Annual Puppy Mill Awareness Day in September in Lancaster County, PA, "The Puppy Mill Capital of the East Coast." With LCA leading the charge, more than 20 animal groups and supporters joined in. Lancaster County harbors the greatest concentrations of dog breeders in the nation with more than 275 puppy mills.

2007:

• The national largest cockfighting bust took place in May, with information supplied from LCA's SIU. 150 federal, state and local law enforcement personnel raided a crowded and popular cockfighting arena near Van Buren, AR. LCA's SIU was also responsible for the closure of a large cockfighting pit, with attendance at over 250 people, in Carroll County, VA.

• In December, Michael Vick, pro-football player, was sentenced to 23 months in prison and three years’ probation for his role in the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting operation and his participation in the brutal killing of several dogs that did not "perform well." LCA's SIU served as a special advisor to Federal Agents who worked on the Michael Vick federal investigation.

• Chris DeRose and LCA served as script consultants on "Lying Down with Dogs," a special dogfighting episode of CSI: Las Vegas that aired December 13th. Chris DeRose had a guest spot in this important episode.

2006:

• C.C. Baird, the largest and most notorious Class B dealer, is convicted and sentenced and set case law! Baird is the first Class B dealer to be convicted of money laundering due to his Class "B" dealer activities. This means that future animal abusers can expect to face prison time for their offenses. Violators of the Animal Welfare Act will be prosecuted. This was a landmark decision for companion animals.

• HBO America Undercover aired "Dealing Dogs," which profiled LCA's ground-breaking investigation of Baird. HBO followed LCA's investigator for over three years after LCA finally succeeding in planting the investigator in Baird's Martin Creek Kennels in Arkansas. Wearing a hidden camera while working a low-level job, "Pete" secretly filmed the overwhelming amounts of horrific abuse and neglect committed against the dogs that ultimately led to Baird's conviction.

• LCA's "Save the Mountain Gorillas Campaign" supplied the Ugandan Wildlife Authority with 60 Motorola GP340 handheld radios to help in their day-to-day protection of the gorillas in Bwindi's Impenetrable Forest.

• "Elephant Sanctuaries-Not Captivity!" campaign educates the public on the sad plight of elephants in captivity. LCA's Chris DeRose confronted Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on his campaign promise "to move the elephants out" and urged him to permanently close down the elephant exhibit at the L.A. Zoo and relocate the elephants to a sanctuary. LCA's campaign for the LA Zoo elephants included a city-wide bus shelter ad campaign on the streets of Los Angeles and a presentation entitled "African Safari" showing an interactive elephant-free exhibit for the L.A. Zoo.

• In September, LCA led the first annual protest at the Los Angeles Japanese Embassy demanding that Japan stop the yearly traditional brutal and inhumane slaughter of innocent dolphins in Taiji.

• LCA became part of the California Animal Association (CAA), a coalition of animal rights and animal welfare groups working to bring important animal legislation to the forefront of California politics. The first successful bill carried by CAA, CA Dog Chaining Bill, SB 1578, became law in California in 2006.

2005:

• LCA's fifteen-year investigation into Class B animal dealers hit a high point in January 2005 when the civil case against C.C. Baird, the largest and most notorious "B" dealer in the U.S. resulted in the permanent abolishment of his Class B license and slapped him with a $262,700 fine – the largest ever imposed by the USDA. Acting on evidence gathered by LCA that was handed over to local, state and federal officials in 2003, a raid on Martin Creek Kennels led to charges against Baird for hundreds of violations of the Animal Welfare Act. In a criminal case in August, Baird pleaded guilty to felony charges of conspiracy to launder money and consented to criminal forfeiture of $200,000 and approximately 700 acres of land. Baird's sentencing will be in 2006.

• LCA rescued animals after Hurricane Katrina. LCA's Chris DeRose organized and led one of the first rescue teams admitted into the devastated "hot zone" area of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, one of the areas hardest hit by the storm. LCA's rescue team joined forces with Best Friends Animal Society's triage operation situated at the St. Francis of Assisi animal sanctuary in Tylertown, MS.

• Due to an intensive letter writing campaign from LCA and its supporters, LCA's "Most Wanted," Thomas Spencer, was sentenced to 20 years -- five of which are to be served in prison -- for the beating of a four-month-old puppy and additional cruelty charges; he pleaded guilty to aggravated cruelty to animals, terroristic threats, arson, threatening a witness in an official proceeding, driving w/ a suspended license and possession of cocaine. Spencer must also undergo psychiatric treatment, maintain his drug therapy, and refrain from ownership of any animals for the length of his sentence.

• Together with Grey2K USA, LCA helped defeat proposed legislation that would legalize slot machines at greyhound racetracks in Miami-Dade County by distributing alerts and mailings to voters in Florida. This victory saved thousands of greyhounds from abuse, neglect, and death, as slot machines would have drawn more people to the tracks, and given the dying racing industry the boost it needed to stay alive.

• LCA's elephant campaign, "Elephant Sanctuaries - Not Captivity" continued to educate, protest and fight for the freedom of all elephants from a life in captivity. LCA commissioned a moving billboard on the streets of Los Angeles to specifically raise awareness for the plight of the three Los Angeles Zoo elephants. Zoos across the country are beginning to understand they are incapable of caring properly for these majestic creatures and are phasing out and/or closing down their elephant exhibits.

2004:

• LCA's lobbying efforts were instrumental in the passage of an ordinance in West Hollywood, CA, making the selling of live animals on the street a misdemeanor crime. Due to LCA's urging, the ordinance was expedited and implemented within two weeks. This new law has saved numerous puppies from suffering the cruelty associated with "puppy peddling".

• Due to LCA's undercover investigation, Class "B" animal dealer, C.C. Baird was officially charged with hundreds of violations of the Animal Welfare Act including mistreatment of animals, inadequate veterinary care, and improper housing. These violations would lead to the largest penalty ever assessed and paid in an Animal Welfare Act case.

• After learning about one Connecticut animal control officer's decision that resulted in a golden retriever, "Max", to remain in an animal shelter for an undetermined amount of time, LCA got involved and campaigned to have this cruel practice changed. As of May 21, 2004, "Max's Law" was implemented and Connecticut is now required to determine within 60 days the fate of an animal. As a result, the decision of whether or not an animal is destroyed in Connecticut has to go before a panel of at least three people--preferably experts in animal behavior.

• LCA, along with supporters, initiated a massive campaign that urged California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign Foie Gras Bill SB 1520, a bill that will ban the force-feeding of ducks and geese in the production of foie gras. The bill will also ban the sale of the product when made from force-fed birds; both provisions taking effect in California in the year 2012.

• Due to pressure from concerned LCA supporters, the Supreme Court of New Jersey issued a unanimous ruling canceling the state's bear hunt four days before it was scheduled to begin on December 6, 2004.

2003:

• LCA's 15-year investigation into Class "B" animal dealers was handed over to the U.S. Attorney's Office, who brought in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Postal Systems, Arkansas State Police, and the local Sheriff's Department. As a result, law enforcement officers raided Martin Creek Kennels, search warrant in hand, in a dawn raid on August 26, 2003, and took over the animal facilities on the property. This led the way to the 2005 Civil Trial, Baird's revoked license and the largest fine ever imposed by the USDA The bust of America's largest and most notorious USDA-licensed Class "B" dealer, C.C. Baird, helped end Baird's reign of terror on the thousands of animals that languished on his property each year.

• LCA's investigation of Premarin, the country's most prescribed hormone replacement therapy drug, led to national media coverage. Premarin is created through a horrible process that involves the gruesome harvesting of a pregnant mare's urine to produce a drug that not only brutalizes the mares but was also proven in a NIH (National Institutes of Health) study to be harmful to women's health.

• As a result of the Premarin investigation and the decrease in demand for the drug, Wyeth Ayerst, the manufacturer of the brand Premarin, cut its production by 50%. An estimated 40,000 mares and foals per year are now spared from the suffering they would have endured at the hands of the pharmaceutical giant.

• Pressure from concerned LCA supporters helped urge the West Hollywood City Council to unanimously vote to abolish the inhumane practice of onychectomy (declaw surgery).

• Due to the ongoing efforts of LCA, the county board in Lancaster County, PA denied Daniel Esh, one of the state's largest puppy mill owners, from expanding his breeding facilities.

• Due to several years of tireless campaigning by LCA and Rocky Mountain Animal Defense, the Colorado University Health Sciences Center in Denver announced that it will cease using dogs in the remaining physiology labs that utilize live animals for training medical students

• The persistence of LCA's Katie Woodward of Ontario, Canada, led to the arrest of Matthew Kaczorowski for the brutal, heinous mutilation and death of a young female housecat.

2002:

• The notorious Coulston Foundation--a primate testing facility with a terrible record of animal abuse and death-- closed its doors forever. LCA's campaign to save the Coulston primates included lawsuits, educational websites and an aggressive billboard campaign.

• LCA special undercover investigator "Pete," infiltrated C. C. Baird's Martin Creek Kennels and acquired over 70 hours of undercover footage detailing an overwhelming amount of animal cruelty, abuse, neglect and unsanitary conditions. The documentation was handed over to the U.S. Attorney's Office, which resulted in the largest multi-agency (federal, state and local) investigation of animal abuse in U.S. history.

• LCA's San Diego chapter campaigned heavily and helped pass a ban on animal acts in Encinitas, CA.

• LCA successfully partnered with Grey2K USA to stop a Florida bill that would have further subsidized greyhound racing through the expansion of gambling at greyhound racing tracks.

• LCA helped to pass a ban on the use and promotion of wild and exotic animals as entertainment in Huntington Beach, CA.

• As part of the Arizona Greyhound Protection Alliance, LCA helped to defeat a measure that would have legalized slot machines at greyhound racing tracks, thereby subsidizing and perpetuating this cruel business.

• LCA's Chris DeRose completed a documentary in India entitled, "The Animals of the Pink City." Chris was invited as a special guest of Maneka Gandhi to produce this film about a shelter committed to helping India's population of draft (working) animals.

2001:

• LCA helped the greyhound advocacy group, Grey2K, defend itself against a $10 million lawsuit filed by Massachusetts' track owners. The suit was ultimately dismissed.

• After discussions with LCA, the cable station Showtime decided not to accept or pay for an episode of the series Chromium Blue, which used footage from a staged bullfight. LCA had anonymously received unedited footage showing bulls being savagely stabbed by a picador and matador.

• Trader Joe's stores declared a moratorium on the sale of duck meat after LCA members wrote letters of protest as part of a campaign to stop the sales.

2000:

• Working with the Houston Animal Rights Team, LCA Houston put an end to pound seizure in Harris County, Texas.

• LCA assisted in putting two USDA-licensed Class B Dealers from Oregon into federal prison.

• Together, LCA and SHARK convinced Pepsi to remove its signage from hundreds of bull fighting rings in Mexico.

• As a coalition member, LCA helped pass groundbreaking spay/neuter legislation in Los Angeles.

1999:

• LCA produced a one-hour television special focused on our investigations and the rights of animals. Hollywood Animal Crusaders aired eight times on the national cable network Animal Planet.

1997:

• In recognition of his work to help animals, LCA President and Founder Chris DeRose received the International Courage of Conscience Award given by the Peace Abbey. Previous award recipients include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, and Nelson Mandela.

• LCA conducted an investigation and gathered co-plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit against the National Parks Service to stop the illegal slaughter of over 800 deer.

1996:

• LCA helped introduce federal legislation called The Pet Safety and Protection Act. This bill, when passed, will stop USDA-licensed Class B Dealers from selling dogs and cats to research laboratories.

1994:

• LCA investigated and gathered evidence against a USDA-licensed Class B Dealer who butchered and sold dogs and cats, which resulted in a rare, permanent revocation of a USDA Class B license.

1991:

• LCA gathered enough evidence to convict a USDA-licensed Class B Dealer and co-conspirators for their involvement in a massive pet theft ring for research labs. They were the first Class B Dealers sent to state prison for pet theft.

1988:

• To end the accusation that animal rights groups fabricate stories about animal research laboratories, LCA took a camera crew into UCLA's Brain Research Institute, where cats were being used as research subjects. The horror of animal research was exposed on the national television show 48 Hours and on CNN, turning the tide in media and public perception of vivisection.