Animal Law

Animal law is a growing field that touches upon all facets of our profession.  The Illinois State Bar Association needs a forum in which members can discuss, learn about, and develop animal law.

Like environmental law, animal law is an umbrella concept that covers many areas of law, including: cruelty statutes (criminal), municipal ordinances (administrative), veterinary malpractice and boarding/grooming injuries (civil), wildlife and farm animal management (regulatory) and questions of legal standing for animals (constitutional).  It also covers all types of animals, ranging from companion to wildlife, entertainment, research, and farm animals.

The scope of the Animal Law Section will include:

1. organizing CLE seminars in order to educate members of the bar on laws, regulations and court decisions dealing with various issues relating to animal law;
2. monitoring developments in the animal law field;
3. disseminating topical information to members through newsletters;
4. serving as a resource for the public, organizations and governmental agencies that wish to obtain information about animal law issues;
5. evaluating and making recommendations regarding existing and proposed legislation and regulations in the animal law field;
6. providing a forum for animal law attorneys to meet, exchange ideas, shares best practices and have a positive impact on the practice of law in this developing area.