Welcome to Chicago Alliance for Animals
We believe every animal deserves respect, protection, and freedom from harm — and we work every day to make that a reality, and create lasting change for animals — across Chicagoland and beyond.
Those We Stand For
Spur: 35 Years in Captivity
Spur, a giant African sulcata tortoise, has been confined to an enclosure barely bigger than herself, in a pet shop for 35 years. She is not for sale- used as a window prop (despite Chicago's erratic weather).
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In the wild, her species would burrow and dig large tunnels, and roam for miles every day. Spur has hard tile ground and only a couple of feet to barely move. She can be found trying to climb the walls of her torture chamber.
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The mayor and trustees of Lincolnwood exclusively hold the power to end this torture immediately by enforcing existing Cook County law that prohibits the sale and commercial confinement of wildlife. Yet they have chosen to waive this crucial humane law for years.
Enacted in 2016, this law exists for this very reason: to eliminate the confinement of and cruelty to wild animals.
Rabbits: abandoned outside by the hundreds, overwhelming shelters
Rabbits are widely considered the third most abandoned and neglected pet after dogs and cats, with thousands dumped annually, particularly following Easter.
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Consequences of Dumping: Domestic rabbits cannot survive in the wild; they often fall prey to predators, get hit by cars, or suffer from disease.
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High Abandonment Rates: Many rabbits bought during Easter are abandoned, die within their first year, or are surrendered to shelters.
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"Invisible" Neglect: Rabbit neglect is often overlooked compared to dogs and cats, with many kept in cramped, unsuitable conditions.
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Not Suitable for Children: Rabbits are often marketed as low-maintenance "starter pets" for children. Yet rabbits are prey animals that generally dislike being picked up or handled, which leads to children losing interest.
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Misunderstood Needs: Contrary to popular belief, rabbits require a complex, hay-based diet, significant space for exercise, and specialized, often expensive, exotic vet care.
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Top Reasons for Abandonment: Reasons include, but are not limited to: children losing interest,
unexpected costs,
unexpected aggression,
unplanned litters,
housing challenges,
complex care needs, and high-maintenance, long-term commitment (8-14 years).
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In order to end this vicious cycle, Lincolnwood's Mayor Patel and Trustees need to vote in alignment with current Cook County law, which prohibits the sale of rabbits.
Instead of purchasing, advocates recommend adopting rabbits from shelters, which are frequently overwhelmed, particularly after Easter.
Rocky, the lonely coyote, remains in captivity (8 years)
Rocky has been confined to a cage since 2018, alone, in Chicago's bitter winters, no less.
The rumor is, Rocky was mistaken for a dog as a coyote pup. (Yet this isn't even how one would house a dog.)
Rocky can be found pacing.
This video is sped up x2. It was taken in 2024.
Bulls' tails ripped from their bodies
Steer tailing is a rodeo event where a terrified steer's tail is violently ripped from its body, often tearing ligaments, bruising muscles, and causing intense pain, all for spectator entertainment.
Chicago Alliance for Animals is a grassroots, all-volunteer organization.
​Animals depend on the voices of a few compassionate individuals, such as yourself. Urging government officials to use their power compassionately is how we create solutions for animals. Without calls and testimonies from the affected communities and animal advocates, animal suffering remains out of sight, out of mind.
