Class actions are commonly used to redress mass wrongs against humans—but what about mass wrongs against animals? This Article provides a comprehensive overview of the types of animal-related class actions that have been filed in the United States, predominantly in the field of consumer law, and explores how these actions can be used as a strategic tool to advance protections for animals within the confines of their legal status as property. This Article also highlights the challenges that have been faced by these animal-related class actions in obtaining class certification pursuant to Rule 23 and offers some practical strategies for overcoming them in the future. In doing so, the author hopes to provide a clear and concise guide for the animal protection movement to successfully utilize the class actions for the benefit of animals.
