Last Chance for Animals

Filing Period

Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011

Signed

Nov 14, 2012

Return Version

2011v1.2

Gross Receipts

$1,106,012

Mission

Major Activities

Activity 2

Description of Program service TwoInvestigations:Last Chance for Animals (LCA), often referred to as the "FBI of Animal Rights," is widely known for its Special Investigation Unit (SIU) that conducts in-depth investigations to expose horrible cruelty and misuse of animals. The SIU team focuses on validating information, detecting suspect activity, exposing illegal or unethical activities and reporting them to local, state and federal authorities for prosecution. The information obtained in LCA's investigations is used to develop campaigns, provide grassroots education and outreach to the public, and to help in drafting legislation that will bring lasting changes for the animals. The scope of LCA's investigations includes, but is not limited to: pet theft, class "B" dealers, puppy mills, pound seizure, circus cruelty, elephants in captivity, vivisection and pharmaceuticals manufactured from the demise of animals.During 2011, LCA was instrumental in the successful campaign for a "Fur-Free WeHo." Ordinance #11-877, banning the sale of fur products in the City of West Hollywood, CA was introduced by Councilman John D'Amico. The ordinance passed in November 2011, making West Hollywood the world's first city to ban fur products, setting a precedent for the rest of the world to put an end to the needles suffering of fur bearing animals solely for the purposes of vanity. The official implementation date of the Fur Free Ban is September 21, 2013; on this date West Hollywood retailers will no longer be able to sell apparel that is made from the skin or pelt of animals with hair, wool or fur. The ordinance is the first of its kind in the United States.LCA continues to work on the issue of which it was founded; vivisection. Random source animals often end up in research facilities at the hand of class "B" dealers. In 2003, LCA concluded a 15-year investigation into B dealers and handed the case over to the U.S. Attorney's office, which prompted the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to charge the largest and most notorious dealer with more than 100 violations of the animal welfare act. This was the first time a U.S. Attorney's office took on an animal rights case. LCA's SIU undercover operations obtained 70 hours of footage and proof of horrendous abuse at the B dealer's property. In 2005, the same dealer was fined the largest fine ever imposed by the USDA and his license was permanently revoked. In 2006, civil and criminal charges were settled against the B dealer. This precedent setting case is a big win for the animals and has set case law. Due to this Federal felony conviction, this B dealer can no longer vote, bear arms, have any dealing with animals in any way and must report to a probation officer. Other B dealers are still operating until the Pet Safety & Protection Act (which will prohibit class B dealers from supplying animals to research facilities) is passed into law. LCA's harrowing investigation into this class B dealer was the subject of HBO's America Undercover 2006 documentary, "Dealing Dogs."

Filer

EIN

95-4013155