October 06, 2008

Conference to bring together animal law experts from around the world

(Portland, Ore.)—Legal issues involving animals—from pet food contamination to wildlife habitat protection—frequently appear in national and international headlines.

    (Portland, Ore.)—Legal issues involving animals—from pet food contamination to wildlife habitat protection—frequently appear in national and international headlines. Such issues are waking up the world—everyone from average pet-owners to professionals working in all sectors—to the immense scope and reach of the field of animal law.

    Leading animal law experts will convene at the 16th annual Animal Law Conference at Lewis & Clark Law School on Oct. 17-19 to explore the interconnections between domestic and international animal law and a broad array of issues such as religion, farming, environmentalism, and homeland security. The conference, titled One Earth: Globalism & Animal Law, has sold out with more than 200 lawyers, law students and animal advocates registered to attend from across the United States, Europe, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and Hong Kong.

    “Animal law intersects with many different fields of law, and our conference offerings have grown over these many years to reflect that,” said Pamela Frasch, executive director of Lewis & Clark Law School’s Center for Animal Law Studies, one of the conference organizers. “As this specialty takes root, experts from fields as diverse as environmental law and immigration law recognize the need to pay greater attention to animal law both in a domestic and international setting.”

    Joyce Tischler will deliver the keynote address on Oct. 18, offering a perspective of the past, present, and future trends in animal law. She is the co-founder and general counsel of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, a nonprofit law organization that works to advance animals’ interests through the legal system and a sponsor of the conference.

    Other speaker highlights include:
    •    Dr. Paul Waldau, director, Center for Public Policy and Animals at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
    •    Steven Wise, author and founder/director of the Center for Expansion of Fundamental Rights
    •    Peter Sankoff, professor of law, University of Auckland, New Zealand
    •    Kathy Hessler, clinical professor of law, Lewis & Clark Law School

    Megan Lemire, Lewis & Clark law student and conference organizer representing co-host Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, said the conference offers formal and informal opportunities for experts and practitioners to share ideas and strengthen the growing network among professionals in the field.

    “This conference is the oldest animal law conference in the world, so it has come to represent the who’s who of animal law experts and advocates,” Lemire said. “Whether you are just starting your career in animal advocacy or are a veteran of animal law, this is a unique opportunity to learn, network, and find innovative approaches in a quickly evolving area of the law.”

    Visit the Center for Animal Law Studies for a schedule of events, waitlist registration information and downloadable podcasts after the conference.