PETA Files Lawsuit Against Federal Government as “Next Friend” to Barn Owls

In a groundbreaking constitutional case for animal rights, PETA filed a lawsuit against the federal government as a “next friend” to 30 barn owls being used in deadly brain experiments at Johns Hopkins University. PETA alleges that the loophole in federal law that allows the taxpayer-funded tests is unconstitutional and seeks protection from harm for the birds under the federal Animal Welfare Act, from which they are currently excluded.