WHAT WE DO

Expand Animal Rights Now, through its relationship with Ryther Law Group, is able to provide legal representation in an array of cases that advance the interests and rights of animals and their human guardians. We offer low and pro bono representation in qualifying cases involving:

  • Veterinary malpractice

  • Custody issues involving animals at risk of abuse, neglect, or abandonment

  • Custody matters related to rescue organizations

  • Wrongful death

  • Abuse, neglect, injury, or death caused by grooming companies

  • Abuse, neglect, injury, or death caused by training companies

  • Abuse, neglect, injury, or death caused by boarding facilities

  • Seizure, death, or injury caused by animal control or police

  • Shelter reform

  • Defending dogs and their families against prosecution in private lawsuits and animal control cases (including but not limited to vicious and dangerous dog hearings and dog bite civil defense)

WHAT WE DON’T DO

  • Represent breeders

  • Represent individuals who bred their animals and are seeking damages due to veterinary malpractice

  • Represent individuals who are seeking damages as a result of a dog bite

  • Represent individuals in cases against other animals

EXAMPLES OF OUR CASES

Photo of Cinnamon, a tan pit bull

Rulon and Southern California Pit Bull Rescue v. City of San Jacinto, Haven Pet Center, and Jeff Sheppard: Expand Animal Rights Now and Ryther Law Group are honored to be representing Mark Rulon and Southern California Pit Bull Rescue, in memory of Georgia, Cinnamon, and every other animal whose lives were lost at Haven Pet Center, formerly known as Ramona Humane Society. Our firm has initiated a lawsuit to bring justice for Georgia, Cinnamon, and every other dog who was wrongfully euthanized at Haven Pet Center. The lawsuit includes claims for violations of the Hayden Act, the Public Records Act, and the Unfair Competition Law, and claims concerning Haven’s failure to keep proper records and failure to provide prompt and necessary veterinary care. We believe the Hayden Act was violated in some of the most egregious ways we have witnessed during our animal rights litigation careers. We will continue to share updates on this case as we proceed.

You can read our full Petition by clicking here:

Photo of Enzo, a black and white husky, sitting with a red and white bandana on


Galeno et al. v. Lodi et al.: We had the honor of representing the Galeno family against the City of Lodi and related entities and individuals after their beloved friendly husky Enzo was tragically killed by Lodi police through use of a taser. We were truly appalled to learn of Enzo’s horrific death.

This case settled pre-litigation for an undisclosed sum. We have also been able to obtain information the family desired regarding individuals involved and changes and training in the City of Lodi to ensure that this does not happen again.

We were grateful for the opportunity to represent the Galeno family and be Enzo’s voice. He will never be forgotten, and we promise to continue to fight for canine and other animal companions like Enzo who are wrongfully killed. The Galeno family and City of Lodi issued a joint statement upon settlement of the case.

Photo of Pip, a dachshund, sitting in the snow

Matthew Barry v. Sehaj Grewal, DVM and The Melrose Vet: Plaintiff brought his young healthy dog Pip to Dr. Grewal for a routine neuter surgery. Plaintiff was unaware that Dr. Grewal was on probation with the California Veterinary Medical Board at the time. Tragically, Pip died a few days later. To make matters worse, prior to Pip’s tragic death, Plaintiff reached out to Dr. Grewal, and Dr. Grewal did not offer any assistance. Disturbingly, Dr. Grewal’s lead Veterinary Technician at the time has informed Plaintiff that she knew of “three other animals who died of complications that month alone.” Later, it was discovered that Dr. Grewal knew he had done the sutures improperly and lied to Plaintiff not wanting to admit his wrongdoing. The case has resolved.

Photo of dark brown pig on straw

We assisted our rescue client, in a breach of contract case, to obtain the requisite funding for their amazing rescue pigs so they could live out their lives in peace at our client’s sanctuary.

Our client shared: “Sarah, Jill and the team at Ryther Law Group saved our nonprofit animal sanctuary and the pigs we took in from a very shocking situation. Sarah and Jill were there for us every step of the way through several difficult and tremendously stressful months of negotiations with the pigs’ previous neglectful owner. Ultimately because of their hard work, determination and fierce love of animals they ensured the pigs we saved are able to live out their days peacefully and happily here at our nonprofit! There is no world in which we could have achieved this outcome without Sarah and Jill. They are truly animal heroes!”

The rescue sent us a photo of a plaque they added to the pig pen after the case ended: “The Pig Enclosure made possible by Sarah Thompson & Jill Ryther of Ryther Law Group.” We are truly honored, to say the least.

Photo of black and white spotted puppy in a sweater

We assisted in securing the return of four rescue puppies who were being withheld from a rescue organization by a foster and were at risk of neglect.

Photo of Bubba, a white dog, and his human sister hugging

We regularly reunite canine companions with their families who have been wrongfully incarcerated. In a flawed system with a lot of bias against particular breeds including pit bulls, we strive to present the truth about each dog as an individual. Bubba, pictured here, was kept from his family for far too long. We were proud to be able to bring him home, especially to his eight year old sister who was lost without him. 

Our client shared: “I am beyond appreciative of all the help my family and I received to help bring Bubba back home. This entire experience has pushed me to want to complete my degree in law and do what Marc and Sarah did for my family.”

Photo of Chico, a brown and white pit bull mix dog

On July 10, 2013, Chico Blue, the beloved canine companion of the Gonzalez family, was brutally shot and killed by law enforcement officers. Our client’s goal was to ensure that this would not happen to other animals. In addition to obtaining monetary compensation, EARN successfully obtained a settlement requiring law enforcement officers to undergo training on how to humanely handle encounters with dogs. EARN was invited to participate in a press conference in Washington, D.C., along with the Department of Justice, the National Canine Research Council, and Safe Humane Chicago to work together to make training accessible to law enforcement all over the country.