Opinion ID: 2808357
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: ALDF’s Complaint

Text: On August 22, 2012, ALDF filed a complaint against USDA for declaratory and injunctive relief in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint alleged Seaquarium houses Lolita in conditions that violate the AWA’s standards for granting a license pursuant to 7 U.S.C. §§ 2133– 34. ALDF alleged USDA acted unlawfully by (1) renewing Seaquarium’s license in April 2012 and (2) routinely renewing Seaquarium’s AWA license each year. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(A), (C) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), ALDF requested the district court to set aside the USDA’s April 2012 decision to renew Seaquarium’s license, award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and grant any further relief deemed just and proper. The Northern District of California granted Seaquarium’s motion to intervene and USDA’s 28 U.S.C. § 1404(a) motion to transfer the case to the Southern District of Florida.