WMCL Animal Law Society blog

We've moved!

2010-03-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

We've officially moved our online home to Facebook. Please visit us at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=125662658577

Thanks!

Move to Facebook

2009-11-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

We are experimenting with moving our main blog page to Facebook. Please visit us there, at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=125662658577 .

Thanks!

Brain cancer research with dogs at U of M

2009-08-10T07:14:00.001-07:00

MPR story here.

Puppy shot in the head

2009-08-10T07:11:00.001-07:00

Star Tribune story here.

Feral cats killed in Afton

2009-08-10T07:07:00.001-07:00

Pioneer Press story here.

Richmond girl attacked by pit bull

2009-08-06T09:51:00.001-07:00

Still very few details but here is the MPR story: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/08/05/pitbul-attack/

Pet owner who gave up ailing pup sues vet in conciliation court

2009-07-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Star Tribune story here.

Decrease in dog bites in Minneapolis & St. Paul

2009-06-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Story here.

Also see the Star Tribune's interactive "dangerous dog map" here.

Film explores Hurricane Katrina pet ownership disputes

2009-06-05T20:07:00.001-07:00

Star Tribune story here.

Animal Rights Activist on FBI's Most Wanted Terrorist List

2009-04-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

Story here.

Trustees go against Leona Helmsley's wishes and give only $1 million to dog-related charities

2009-04-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

Very disappointing. Read the NY Times story here.

Supreme Court to Decide Whether Dogfighting Video is Free Speech

2009-04-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

Arguments will be in the fall. See the full details here.

Summer Animal Law Program at Lewis & Clark

2009-04-15T07:53:00.001-07:00

The Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark, in collaboration with the Animal Legal Defense Fund is now accepting registrations for its Summer Animal Law Program. Space is limited so register now, and get ready to spend all or part of your summer in the beautiful Pacific Northwest studying at the nation's leading animal law institution.

The Summer Animal Law Program offers three courses (each worth 2 credits):

Animal Rights Law with Professor Steven M. Wise (July 1 - July 14, 2009);
Animal Law: Legislation, Lobbying & Litigation with Professors Jonathon R. Lovvorn & Nancy V. Perry (July 21 - August 3, 2009); and for the first time
International Wildlife Law with Professor Erica J. Thorson (May 26 - June 8, 2009).

More info here.

Summer research grants available

2009-04-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

ALDF is funding four $1000 research grants for students interested in researching for the Animal Legal & Historical Center, animallaw.info. The research can be performed from anywhere, so long as you have a computer and internet access.

If you would like more information, please send an email mitchellanimallaw@gmail.com and we will forward the application materials.

Officers for '09-'10 school year

2009-04-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

President - Jamie Becker-Finn
Vice President - Zorislav Leyderman
Secretary - Ashley Nagy
Treasurer - Katie Donald

Elections for Next Year's Officers

2009-04-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

We will be voting for next year's officers starting Monday, April 13. Anyone interested in running, please send an email to mitchellanimallaw@gmail.com.

Open positions are:
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer

Humanity Even for Non-Humans - NY Times Op-Ed

2009-04-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

Read the article here.

Animal Law Writing Competition

2009-04-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

The New York State Bar Association is holding an animal law student writing competition. First prize is $1000 and the deadline to enter is June 15, 2009. More details here.

Animal Law Conference update

2009-03-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

Deadline to register is March 17.

Non-MSBA members: The event is still free for Mitchell students. Just send an email directly to Kim Basting at kbasting@mnbar.org and let her know you would like to register directly.

Animal Law Conference - registration now open!

2009-03-02T21:20:00.000-08:00

Follow this link to register and get more information.

Update on cat hoarding case in St. Anthony

2009-02-18T09:13:00.000-08:00

Star Tribune story

Follow-up letter to the editor re: Humane Society's decision to euthanize the cats: Link

Chimp attack case in Connecticutt

2009-02-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

Link to CNN story

So very sad for everyone involved. It will be interesting to see if criminal charges are actually pressed against the owner.

PLP Feb. 12

2009-02-03T13:32:00.001-08:00

Will Potter, award-winning independent journalist, will be visiting Mitchell to talk about the effect of anti-terrorism laws on eco- and animal rights activists.

Thursday, Feb. 12 at 10am, room 125

Susan Gaertner event a success!

2009-02-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who attended the PLP on Monday with Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner. The event was definitely a success and Ms. Gaertner was pleased with the student interest on the topic.

MN Legislature: Puppy and kitten mill action alert

2009-01-22T17:22:00.000-08:00

Please see Animal Folks MN for more info. The Agriculture Committee in the MN Senate is hearing the bill this coming Tuesday, Jan. 27th. Please contact your legislator in support of this bill (SF 7). Animal Folks MN contains lots of information about what you should say and how to go about doing it.

Upcoming PLP Feb. 2nd

2009-01-22T17:19:00.000-08:00

Ramsey County Attorney will be presenting on "The Link" between animal abuse and domestic violence. Monday, Feb. 2nd, noon, room 123. Free lunch and pop! Perspectives PLP credit!

NY Times blog on Obama dog situation

2009-01-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

Proof that anything can become political: Doggone It

Animal Law Conference at Mitchell on March 21st!

2009-01-14T11:49:00.001-08:00

We don't have many details yet, but that is the date so mark your calendars.

Gov't removes gray wolves from Endangered Species List

2009-01-14T11:48:00.001-08:00

Story here.

Summer clerkship and volunteer opportunities

2009-01-08T18:04:00.001-08:00

FARM SANCTUARY - JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SUMMER 2009

Farm Sanctuary works to end cruelty to farm animals and promotes compassionate living through rescue, education, and advocacy. We envision a world where the violence that animal agriculture inflicts upon people, animals and the environment has ended, and where instead we exercise values of compassion.

We currently seek a law clerk for the 2009 summer to work with the Director of Legal Campaigns. The law clerk will work with the Director on all aspects of Farm Sanctuary's legal campaigns. Duties are likely to include:

– researching legislation and case law and drafting memoranda to help develop novel litigation and other legal approaches to protect farm animals

– monitoring proposed legislation and regulations pertaining to farm animals, and possibly drafting comments

As this is an unpaid clerkship, Farm Sanctuary encourages prospective law clerks to arrange for public interest funding or, alternatively, course credit.

This position will be based in New Orleans, LA.

Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills are required. Animal law background is preferable, although not required. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, transcript, 3 references, and a short writing sample to Delcianna Winders at DWinders@farmsanctuary.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

RESEARCH ASSISTANTS - PROF. HENRY MARK HOLZER

We have received a request for volunteers to assist Professor Henry Mark Holzer in a research project focused on the constitutional problems presented by the religious exemption to the federal Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act. Volunteers will assist with both legal and factual research, including a review of the law and its legislative history, the USDA's oversight of the law, a comparison to the laws of other countries and identification of livestock slaughter methods currently used in the U.S.

This project is expected to continue for a period of at least 3-5 months and will include research of a large number of related issues. Work study stipends may be available.

If you are interested in participating in this volunteer project, please send your resume to: npallotta@aldf.org

VOLUNTEERS - GREY2K USA GREYHOUND PROTECTION

I am forwarding a request from Christine Dorchak of GREY2K USA. She is looking for law students to research the laws regarding greyhounds in the ten states that still allow greyhound racing. Is this something you or your SALDF chapter may want to take on as a pro bono project? If so, please contact Ms. Dorchak directly for more information. This project can be done anywhere with internet access. She hopes to have a completed memo and spreadsheet by spring 2009. See below for the project description.

Volunteer Opportunity:

GREY2K USA is a national greyhound protection group working to end dog racing nationwide. We are looking for help identifying and researching the laws, rules and regulations affecting greyhounds in each remaining racing state. Related case law would also be important to include in the final memorandum. Go to http://www.grey2kusa.org/action/state.html to learn more about greyhound racing and the jurisdictions in which it persists.

Interested students, please contact Christine A. Dorchak, Esq., President at christine@grey2kusa.org.

Possible ban on all non-dog service animals

2009-01-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

Recent story from NY Times Magazine and a follow-up response re: the DoJ from Slate.

Upcoming info session re: puppy & kitten mill bill

2009-01-06T10:32:00.000-08:00

The informational meeting is this coming Saturday, Jan. 10th in Roseville. More info here.

Animal Law CLE in January

2008-12-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

The MSBA Animal Law Section is sponsoring a CLE on animal abuse and domestic violence on January 6th. Like the last CLE, it is free for law students. Enroll online or by emailing the registration form. More details here:Link to MSBA site

As More Eat Meat, a Bid to Cut Emissions

2008-12-07T14:17:00.001-08:00

NY Times story here.

Dogfighting Subculture is Taking Hold in Texas

2008-12-07T14:16:00.001-08:00

NY Times story here.

Alford plea entered in case of bulldog thrown from balcony

2008-11-19T18:15:00.001-08:00

Story here.

Dogfighting, cockfighting targetted

2008-11-17T07:58:00.000-08:00

Story here.

Nonprofit aims to stop inhumane dog and cat breeders

2008-11-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

At the PLP yesterday, Sen. Betzold talked a lot about a bill he is trying to get passed that will regulate larger dog and cat breeding operations in MN.

We learned about a nonprofit, AnimalFolksMN, that is working to stop inhumane breeding practices and get the bill passed. Please check out the website to learn more and sign the petition.

Legal internship with Humane Society of US

2008-11-13T09:09:00.001-08:00

The position is unpaid and located in D.C. It is also listed in Symplicity. Link to HSUS website.

Service dogs for veterans

2008-11-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

NY Times photo story about service dogs for veterans.

Pet dog randomly shot in Rochester

2008-11-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

Pioneer Press story here.

Local story about stray pitbull nursing abandoned pups

2008-11-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

Read the story and see photos here. It's always a nice surprise when the media reports this kind of story instead of just the bad stuff.

The politics of picking a puppy

2008-11-06T10:17:00.001-08:00

Read the NY Times story about what kind of dog the Obamas should choose here.

Prop. 2 passes in California!

2008-11-05T09:14:00.001-08:00

Woo hoo!!!! ALDF here.

The melamine in China-produced animal feed horror continues

2008-10-31T13:25:00.000-07:00

Read the latest from the NY times here.

Local journalist to discuss new book about rescued animals

2008-10-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

The event is at the U of M on November 11th. More details here.

New animal law blog

2008-10-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

This one is by professors from Pace Law School

New York Times Magazine story

2008-10-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

The Barnyard Strategist

Animal Law happy hour at the Happy Gnome tonight!

2008-10-25T10:03:00.001-07:00

7-9pm. Look for us with the Halloween rat as honored guest. :)

Weird one

2008-10-25T10:01:00.001-07:00

Story is here.

Not nearly as bad as the incident with the bulldog in St. Paul a few weeks ago, but sad how animals often take the brunt of the abuse in domestic violence situations.

Update on abuse by employees at Hormel supplier hog farm in Iowa

2008-10-21T10:22:00.001-07:00

Sadly,this is not surprising.

Upcoming PLP Oct. 30th

2008-10-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

As part of Eco-Week at Mitchell, the Animal Law Society is sponsoring a showing of the documentary The Future of Food on Thursday, Oct. 30th.

Eco-Week is a week long event focusing on sustainability. The events are sponsored by the SBA Sustainability Committee, the Environmental Law Society, and the Animal Law Society.

More info on Nov. 12th MSBA Animal Law CLE/PLP

2008-10-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

Register here.

Presenter:
Senator Don Betzold
MN State Senate - 51st District

Please join us for this inside look at the intersection of animal law and the legislative process.

Senator Betzold has been a member of the Minnesota State Senate since 1993. Past Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he currently chairs the State Government Budget Division. A lawyer in private practice since 1980, Senator Betzold is also a retired Colonel Judge Advocate in the U. S. Army Reserves.

In addition to discussing some of his past legislative initiatives, Senator Betzold will update you on the provisions and current status of the Dog and Cat Breeders Act. The bill is intended to implement Board of Animal Health regulation of so-called puppy and kitten mills by providing for, among other provisions, inspections, an investigation procedure after complaint, and penalties. In addition to learning about the details and scope of the Act, Senator Betzold will discuss the challenges currently faced in moving the bill through the legislative session.

Don't miss this chance to learn about the new Act and to join an educated discussion about the challenges and opportunities the legislative process presents for protecting animal welfare.

animal law course at Mitchell

2008-10-15T14:18:00.001-07:00

Animal Law is tentatively scheduled to be offered this coming spring ('09)! This is still dependent on confirming that the professor is available but it is still great news. Keep your fingers crossed!

U.S. military: Iraqi dog adopted by Minnesota soldier is alive

2008-10-14T15:54:00.001-07:00

Link to Star Tribune story

Twin Cities humane societies desperate to find homes for cats

2008-10-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

More details here.

Proposed amendment in California regarding farm animals

2008-10-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

Proposition 2 would require that farms provide animals with enough room to live comfortably. This site is run by a group sponsored by the Humane Society.

Hurricane refugee dogs coming to MN

2008-10-01T06:52:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure why the dogs need to come all the way to MN to find homes but at least they are putting them up for adoption. Link to article

Update: Judge puts gray wolf back on endangered species list

2008-09-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

Link to article

U of M patents test for mutant gene in Labs

2008-09-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

I decided this story was worthy of the animal law blog due to the U of M's plans to patent the test and use it for income. :)

link to article

St. Paul man throws dog from third floor balcony

2008-09-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

What the hell is wrong with people? The article is pretty detailed - hopefully it upsets people and the police and prosecutors continue to follow through in prosecuting this guy. Star Tribune article
Pioneer Press

MN Supreme Court declines appeal of 500-dog kennel permit in Morrison County

2008-09-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Link to article

Gray wolves back on endangered species list?

2008-09-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Federal agency is asking judge to vacate their decision to take gray wolves off of the endangered species list. NY Times article

Bears killed near wildlife sanctuary in northern MN

2008-09-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

Strib article

Update on kitten killing case

2008-09-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Star Tribune article

Dog hair leads to second suspect in murder case

2008-09-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

Local story from the Star Tribune.

Walk for Farm Animals

2008-09-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

An event passed on from SALDF:

Walk for Farm Animals website

“The Walk for Farm Animals is a critical tool that provides an opportunity for animal advocates to demonstrate their support for animal protection, educate the public about why this is important issue and help raise the funds necessary to continue Farm Sanctuary’s distinctive work to rescue animals from abuse, and advocate for farm animal protection across the country,” said Farm Sanctuary President and Co-founder Gene Baur.

animal law volunteer opportunity

2008-09-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

I received the following information that some of you may want to check out. Also, Bruce Wagman is one of the most well-respected animal law attorneys in the entire country. He has a written an animal law textbook and was the key-note speaker here at Mitchell at the '07 animal law conference.

Dear SALDF Leaders:

ALDF is looking for students to research discrete areas of law in different countries. The results will be used for a project collecting illustrations and examples of laws around the world, for a book that will be published looking at the ways different countries and cultures approach animal law. Each assignment will probably require 5-15 hours of work with a written summary of the research. Examples of assignments include research into the cruelty laws in various countries, constitutional provisions protecting animals, and different laws governing research on animals.

If you would like to assist ALDF with this project, please contact Bruce Wagman, ALDF’s Chief Outside Litigation Counsel, at bwagman@schiffhardin.com.

mad science

2008-09-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

FDA to allow genetically engineered animals for food

Note that the FDA is not currently planning to require that food be labeled modified. Also have to wonder if anyone is taking into account the health and well-being of the animals involved.

MSBA Animal Law CLE

2008-09-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

This CLE will be held on Weds., Nov. 12th from 12-1:30pm on campus here at Mitchell. Most of the animal law section's CLEs are held in downtown Minneapolis so this is a great opportunity for Animal Law Society members to do some networking and learn more about Animal Law Legislation here in Minnesota. As always, this CLE is free for students.

Link to MSBA CLE page

Top vegan celebrities

2008-09-17T09:02:00.001-07:00

I thought I better post something that isn't totally depressing. :)

Sprig article

Sarah Palin supports aerial hunting of wolves

2008-09-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

youtube clip

Slate explainer article

Factory farm workers abuse of pigs

2008-09-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

Yahoo news story with link to PETA video

Note that there is a link between this farm and Hormel (a Minnesota company)

Time article on factory farming's effects on global warming

2008-09-11T19:34:00.001-07:00

Time magazine story

St. Paul man doesn't contest threat charge in case of dead kitten

2008-09-11T19:30:00.001-07:00

Star Tribune story