ISBA CLE

Hot Topics in Animal Law

Presented by the ISBA Animal Law Section

Grafton
Friday, June 12, 2009
Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center
13653 Lodge Boulevard (map and directions)
1:00 – 5:30 p.m.

4.0 MCLE credit hours, including 1.0 approved PMCLE credit hour

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Amy A. Breyer, The Law Offices of Amy A. Breyer, LLC, Chicago

Learn about the growing field of animal law at our Law Ed program held at the scenic Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center in Grafton, Illinois. Get away from your regular routine and earn CLE credit at the same time! The historic lodge offers plenty of opportunities, from hiking to fine dining. Make it a get-away weekend and stay the night! The Lodge is offering a discounted rate of $149/night plus tax to conference attendees who would like to combine some play with their work. To reserve your room, please call the Pere Marquette Lodge at 618-786-2331.

Program topics in Grafton include an update on equestrian laws and regulations, livestock management, Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) suits, proposed changes to animal cruelty laws, public safety laws, laws regulating reckless owners and potentially dangerous dogs, regulatory issues regarding animals as part of the food supply chain, and ethical issues.

1:00 – 1:30 p.m. Hold Your Horses! Livestock Liability & You
In this session, the speaker provides an update on laws and regulations concerning equine care/barns, wildlife, and livestock management.
Melissa Maye, Office of Appellate Defender, Ottawa

1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Don’t Get SLAPPED: What to Do If Your Client Gets SLAPPED Upside the Head for Her Views
Is your client being intimidated with mounting legal action against their critical views? This session presents an overview of Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) suits and how to fight them.
Timothy A. Gutknecht, Crowder & Scoggins, Ltd, Columbia

2:00 – 2:15 p.m. Break

2:15 – 3:00 p.m. Don’t Be Cruel: An Update on Illinois’ Progressive Animal Cruelty Laws
The speaker analyzes a survey of recent and proposed changes to animal cruelty laws, including increased penalties for dog fighting, licensing requirements for dog breeders, mandatory micro-chipping and spay/neuter for impounded animals, and criminalization for hoarding.
Amy Maher, Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, Edwardsville

3:00 – 3:45 p.m. Muzzling Reckless Owners and Neutering Dangerous Dogs
In this session, the speaker presents an overview of public safety laws and ordinances across the country, as well as an in-depth discussion of state laws regulating reckless owners and potentially dangerous dogs.
Ledy VanKavage, Senior Legislative Analyst, Best Friends Animal Society, Maryville

3:45 – 4:00 p.m. Break

4:00 – 4:30 p.m. It’s Not Just Cats and Dogs: Wildlife and Agricultural Issues in Illinois
In this session, the speaker provides an overview of the latest regulatory issues from forest to farm.
Jane E. McBride, Environmental Enforcement Bureau, Illinois Attorney General, Springfield

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. It’s Okay if Your Client is a Real Animal. You? Not So Much.*
This session covers a number of ethical issues—from specific animal law concerns to general practice tips for avoiding common ethical pitfalls.
Eugene F. Friedman, Friedman & Friedman, Ltd., Chicago