In a landmark case highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by visually-impaired individuals in accessing digital content, a lawsuit has been filed against a major corporation for alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On February 18, 2026, Judith Adela Lopez filed a class action complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against The Hartz Mountain Corporation. The lawsuit accuses Hartz of failing to make its website accessible to blind and visually-impaired consumers.
Judith Adela Lopez, who is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to navigate online content, alleges that Hartz’s website, https://www.hartz.com/, is not compatible with such software. This incompatibility denies her and others like her full access to the products and services offered by Hartz. The complaint cites a letter from U.S. Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Stephen E. Boyd confirming that websites owned or operated by public accommodations must be accessible to individuals with disabilities under the ADA. Lopez argues that Hartz’s failure to provide an accessible website violates her rights under Title III of the ADA, which mandates equal access to goods and services provided by places of public accommodation.
The lawsuit details several barriers encountered on Hartz’s website, including missing alternative text for images, broken links, and redundant links—all of which hinder screen-reading software from functioning effectively. These barriers prevent visually-impaired users from enjoying an experience equivalent to that of sighted users when accessing information about pet care products or making purchases online. Lopez recounts multiple instances where she was unable to complete transactions or obtain necessary product information due to these accessibility issues.
Lopez seeks a permanent injunction requiring Hartz to overhaul its corporate policies and practices concerning web accessibility. She demands that Hartz retain a qualified consultant to ensure its website becomes fully accessible and remains so through regular audits and updates. Additionally, she requests training for employees involved in web development on creating accessible content from the design stage onward.
The case also invokes state laws such as the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), and New York State General Business Law § 349 (GBL), claiming further discrimination against visually-impaired individuals within New York State. The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for herself and similarly affected individuals across various jurisdictions.
Representing Judith Adela Lopez are attorneys Michael A. LaBollita, Jeffrey M. Gottlieb, and Dana L. Gottlieb from Gottlieb & Associates PLLC. The case is presided over by judges in the Southern District of New York under Case ID No: 126-cv-1400.
Source: 126cv01400_Judith_Adela_v_The_Hartz_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
