August 30, 2007

Lewis & Clark advances animal law field

(Portland, Ore.)—The scope of animal law has never been more apparent.

(Portland, Ore.)—The scope of animal law has never been more apparent. A steady stream of media reports about abuse, factory farms, connections between animals and the environment, and the rights of pets reminds us daily of the links between our world and the world of animals. As this subject gains traction in the social consciousness, a leader in the field of animal advocacy, Lewis & Clark Law School, will bring animal law advocates, practitioners and political leaders together to share ideas and resources.

The 15th Annual Animal Law Conference, titled “Building Bridges: Strengthening the Animal Advocacy Movement,” will be hosted by the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund and the National Center for Animal Law at Lewis & Clark Law School. This year’s conference will spend three days, Sept. 28-30, delving into several established and emerging issues, including:
• the impacts of global warming
• securing damages for the abuse or loss of pets
• dog fighting
• factory farms

Within the larger theme of this year’s conference, speakers will address how diverse groups—even those within other social advocacy campaigns, like the environmental movement—can band together to advance animal law and work for the mutual benefit of animals, humans and the environment. Leaders in the field of animal law will also discuss how improving legal protections for wildlife, domestic and companion animals and animals raised for food serves the interests of humans and animals alike.

“The field of animal law is gaining momentum,” said Alexis Fox, co-director of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund at Lewis & Clark Law School. “More and more law students and practitioners are showing an interest in animal protection. It is no longer a matter of if the law will recognize the intrinsic value of animals, but when. This conference brings together professionals and students that are interested in animal law to learn from each other and reach out to other advocacy communities.”

Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), a champion for animal protection legislation in the House of Representatives and a Lewis & Clark Law School alumnus, will give the keynote address at the Saturday evening banquet.

The registration fee of $150, $25 for students, includes ten panels and workshops, a CD of all conference materials, meals and admittance to the banquet and keynote address. Continuing legal education credits are available for attorneys. The conference provides useful information for attorneys, nonprofit and government agencies, educators, students and members of the general public interested in animal law, animal advocacy and the environment.

For conference registration information and a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.lclark.edu/org/saldf/conference.html.

The National Center for Animal Law, based at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Ore., trains and supports animal law students to further the field of animal law and promote legal protections for animals. The center develops curriculum, training, and resources for current and future litigators, prosecutors and judges; executive directors, staff and board members of nonprofit organizations; and lobbyists and legislators creating stronger legal protections for animals. The Animal Law Clinic provides legal services in animal protection cases.

For more information, call 503-768-6795 or visit http://law.lclark.edu.