Non-Profit Projects
Discover how we expand animal rights
Expand Animal Rights Now (EARN)
Ryther Law Group's founder, Jill L. Ryther, formed EARN, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in order to provide legal access for animal guardians and activists who could not otherwise afford legal representation. RLG attorneys act through EARN as pro bono, low bono, or contingency based legal counsel representing individuals who wish to file lawsuits that will protect or expand the rights of animals.
EARN is specifically focused on cases that can have a systemic influence. By taking on unique cases and using innovative legal strategies, EARN uses the legal system to expand animal rights in significant ways.
To learn more about EARN, please visit expandanimalrightsnow.org
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Scotch was a puppy with an old soul. He was so gentle, sweet but also adorably rambunctious. All the doggos and humans he came across absolutely loved him. He may have chewed up many shoes, wall trimmings, bed risers, etc… but he never misbehaved and was always so intuitive. A total empath. He even waited for our loved ones to rush over to say goodbye before he took his final breath. He is still so painfully missed.”
– Elaine C.
The Scotch Fund
The Scotch Fund has helped us to rescue animals from death row at local animal shelters, and beyond. In the past year, we have used this fund to provide veterinary care, foster housing, and essentials like food, treats, ongoing medication, and even training to animals who we saved from euthanasia at high kill shelters in Southern California. We also use the Scotch Fund to support rescue organizations with whom we partner.
The fund is named for Scotch Yu who sadly passed but whose memory lives on in all of the homeless animals EARN is able to help through his fund.
Fred’s Fund
Fred’s Fund helps us to represent individuals against grooming companies and training facilities who have committed animal abuse, neglect, or in some cases, caused an animal’s death. We have many requests for representation in these types of cases and, with sufficient funds, we are able to help low-income individuals obtain justice for their beloved animals, while also setting precedent and sending a warning to companies who are falsely advertising to properly care for animals. As animal rights attorneys, we see some of the most egregious forms of animal abuse. Through Fred’s Fund, EARN uses the legal system to seek justice for those animals.
Fred’s Fund is named for an inspiring pup who was named Fred, who tragically passed away due to neglect and abuse at the hands of a fraudulent groomer. With every case we are able to take on in his honor, we honor his life and the love he shared with all he met.
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As has been the case since the day a ten-week-old Fred was placed in my arms for the first time, I will continue living, working, loving, breathing… BEING… in ways that I hope emulate Fred’s spirit and would make him proud.”
– Liz. K
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Pip was a gentle and generous soul. We’d take him out to a restaurant and he’d lay flat on his back, snoozing, entirely oblivious to the reaction of passersby who couldn’t believe how cute (and well behaved) he was. Pip should have lived for many, many more years and he’s greatly missed. ”
– Matthew B.
Victim Protection Fund
EARN’s Victim Protection Fund allows us to offer representation in cases of veterinary malpractice. In many of these cases, the animal’s guardian has already spent an exorbitant amount of money to try to save their animal’s life, and they simply do not have funds remaining to fight for justice via the legal system. Veterinary malpractice cases are some of the most commonly requested cases; this fund exists to help as many grieving guardians as possible.