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NhRP Responds To Improper Bronx Zoo Filing In Happy’s Case

By Lauren Choplin

This week in our elephant client Happy‘s case, we filed a Notice of Motion to Strike in response to an improper filing on the part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, which operates the Bronx Zoo where Happy has been imprisoned for over 40 years (the last 13 of which she has spent alone). A Motion to Strike asks a judge to order the removal of all or part of the opposing party’s pleading. As detailed in our accompanying Memorandum of Law, WCS filed its Answer to our habeas corpus petition on behalf of Happy over seven months after the required deadline and without required court permission. We are asking the judge to strike this Answer. You can read our Notice of Motion and supporting papers here.

As we look forward to our second rally for Happy’s freedom—happening this Saturday outside the Bronx Zoo—we are also preparing for a preliminary conference with opposing counsel scheduled for August 15th in the Bronx County Supreme Court. We have to wait and see what this conference will entail (our habeas cases are civil actions and typically don’t require such conferences). Regardless, we are pleased Happy’s case is finally moving forward in the Bronx and look forward to again arguing in court for her right to liberty and release to a sanctuary at the earliest opportunity. We’ll keep you posted, and if you’re in the NYC area, we hope to see you on Saturday!

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