Cease and Desist Notices

Cease and desist notices are often used as legal tools to stop alleged misconduct—but they can also be used to intimidate, silence, or threaten those who speak out. At Litigation for Animal Welfare (LAW), we believe in empowering whistleblowers and truth-tellers with accurate information. Whether you've received a cease and desist letter or are concerned about legal threats for reporting animal abuse or organizational misconduct, this page will help you understand what these notices are, when they’re enforceable, and how to protect your rights.

What Is a Cease and Desist Notice?

A cease and desist notice is a letter or formal demand sent to an individual or organization asking them to immediately stop a specific action or behavior that they claim is unlawful or legally harmful. It can be issued by an attorney, a business, or an individual, and it does not require a court order.

The purpose of a cease and desist letter is to:

  • Notify the recipient that their behavior is allegedly illegal or infringing

  • Demand that the behavior stop ("cease") and not happen again ("desist")

  • Warn of possible legal action if the behavior continues

Common scenarios include:

  • Alleged defamation or libel

  • Intellectual property infringement (e.g., copyright, trademark)

  • Personal privacy exposure

  • Harassment or threats

  • Breach of contract or NDA

Is a Cease and Desist Letter Legally Binding?

No, a cease and desist letter is not a court order and does not carry legal force by itself. It is a warning or request—not a judgment.

However, if ignored, the sender may file a lawsuit, and the letter can be used to show the court that they tried to resolve the matter outside of litigation.

When Cease and Desist Notices Are Misused

While cease and desist letters can be legitimate tools to stop real harm, they are also commonly used to intimidate or silence whistleblowers, activists, or critics—especially when powerful individuals or organizations want to suppress the truth.

Intimidation Tactics May Include:

  • Threatening lawsuits for speaking out about abuse or misconduct

  • Claiming defamation when someone shares truthful, documented information

  • Referencing NDAs in an attempt to prevent legal disclosures

  • Using legal jargon and aggressive tone to scare the recipient

  • Suggesting massive financial or reputational consequences if the letter is ignored

Many recipients feel they must stop speaking out—even if they’ve done nothing wrong—because they fear legal retaliation or can’t afford a lawyer.

Know Your Rights

If you receive a cease and desist letter, don’t panic. Here are some key protections and next steps:

You can:

  • Continue truthful speech, especially if it involves matters of public concern

  • Share firsthand experiences or factual information

  • Report illegal activity even if you’ve signed an NDA

  • Consult with a lawyer or legal nonprofit like LAW before responding

You should not:

  • Ignore the letter entirely without reviewing it carefully

  • Automatically assume you've broken the law

  • Respond emotionally or make new public claims without legal guidance

What to Do If You Receive a Cease and Desist

Do not respond immediately – take time to read the claims carefully.

Gather documentation – evidence that supports your version of events.

Consult legal support – A trusted attorney can help assess the letter’s merit, you can use the LAW lawyer referral if you don’t have an attorney or take part in either an advocate class, a social media class, or if the cease and desist involves on going LAW investigations, a case briefing where you can ask questions about your cease and desist. Classes and briefings are available through the Events and Classes calendar.

Do not delete or alter anything related to the matter—until you speak to a legal representative as this can backfire legally.

Ask yourself: is this an attempt to silence me? If so, you may be protected under whistleblower or anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) laws.

We’re Here to Protect You – and the Animals

As an animal advocacy organization, Litigation for Animal Welfare stands beside those who speak up. Whether you’re a current or former employee, volunteer, rescuer, veterinarian, transporter, adopter, fosterer or bystander, your voice can help end cruelty, reform broken systems, and hold institutions accountable.

If you have questions or need guidance before submitting information, contact us directly. All inquiries are treated with care and discretion.

Let’s work together to protect animals.

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