The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) is an American non-profit organization that aims to protect the rights and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. The organization was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Cotati, California. ALDF provides free legal assistance to animal protection organizations and individuals, and also files lawsuits to protect animals from harm. The organization has been involved in many high-profile cases, including lawsuits against animal abusers, factory farms, and puppy mills. ALDF also provides educational resources and training programs for law students and legal professionals who are interested in animal law.