June 17, 2025

Litigation for Animal Welfare (LAW) Releases White Paper Exposing Widespread SPCA Overreach and Due Process Violations

New report highlights unconstitutional seizures, breed-targeting, and the urgent need for nationwide reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Litigation for Animal Welfare Inc. (LAW) today released “UNCHECKED AUTHORITY: SPCA Overreach – Targeting Breeds and Eroding Due Process,” a comprehensive white paper detailing a growing national crisis involving unlawful animal seizures, excessive financial penalties, and discriminatory enforcement practices by certain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) chapters.

The report identifies a troubling pattern: pets confiscated without warrants, owners denied hearings, animals rehomed or euthanized before legal review, and families pressured into silence through gag orders or excessive care fees. LAW is now evaluating a potential federal class action lawsuit to address systemic constitutional violations.

SPCA Overreach: A National Pattern Emerges

While many SPCA chapters operate ethically and save thousands of animals, LAW’s white paper reveals that others routinely act with quasi-law enforcement power but little accountability. Key findings include:

• Warrantless Seizures: Animals taken under vague claims of “emergency intervention,” often without judicial review.

• Due Process Failures: Owners deprived of pets despite no criminal charges or legal findings of neglect.

• Exorbitant Fees: Care and boarding costs reaching thousands of dollars, coercing owners into surrendering their animals.

• Irreversible Harm: Dogs—particularly those labeled “dangerous breeds”—euthanized within days or hours of seizure.

• Lack of Oversight: Inconsistent state statutes allow nonprofits to exercise enforcement authority without standardized training or protocols.

LAW argues that these practices may violate both the Fourth Amendment (unlawful search and seizure) and the Fourteenth Amendment (denial of due process).

Breed Targeting: Fear Over Facts

The report highlights the disproportionate targeting of pit bulls, mastiffs, shepherds, and other “bully-type” breeds. In many documented cases:

• Dogs were labeled “dangerous” based purely on appearance.

• Families lost well-behaved, healthy pets due to neighbor reports or minor care issues.

• Some shelters automatically marked these breeds as “unadoptable” and euthanized them quickly—sometimes before owners even knew where their pets had been taken.

LAW identifies this as a civil rights and animal welfare crisis, noting that low-income families, renters, and minority communities are disproportionately impacted.

Legal Grounds for Federal Action

LAW is actively reviewing multiple incidents across several states to prepare a possible federal class action lawsuit. Potential claims include:

• Violations of Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights

• Civil rights violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983

• Unjust enrichment through coercive fees

• Tortious interference with ownership rights

“Nonprofit organizations should not wield unchecked police-like authority,” the report states.

“When animals—legally recognized as property—are seized without warrants or hearings, the Constitution is being ignored.”

Partnering With Richard Rosenthal, “The Dog Lawyer”

LAW confirms ongoing collaboration with noted animal-law attorney Richard Rosenthal, widely known as “The Dog Lawyer.” Rosenthal has represented countless owners whose pets were wrongfully confiscated, often without judicial oversight.

“Breed bias and unconstitutional seizures must end,” Rosenthal stated.

“There is no justification for destroying families—human or canine—under the guise of welfare.”

Call to Action: LAW Seeks Impacted Pet Owners

LAW urges individuals who have experienced:

• Animals seized without a warrant

• Pets taken despite no criminal charges

• Rehoming or euthanasia before hearings

• Excessive boarding or care fees

• Harassment, intimidation, or gag orders from SPCA agents

…to contact the organization immediately.

“Your story could help shape nationwide reform,” the white paper emphasizes.

About Litigation for Animal Welfare (LAW)

Litigation for Animal Welfare (LAW) is a legal advocacy nonprofit dedicated to protecting animals, defending pet owners, and exposing fraud or misconduct within the rescue and animal control system. LAW supports ethical shelters, responsible owners, and a justice system that treats both animals and humans fairly.

Learn more at: www.LitigationforAnimalWelfare.org