Section Newsletters

Articles on Animal Law

Animal law in the news By Melissa Anne Maye Animal Law, June 2015 Recent updates of interest to animal law practitioners.
1 comment (Most recent June 12, 2015)
Exotic animal resolution passes the ABA House of Delegates By Ledy VanKavage Animal Law, June 2015 After much hard work and numerous amendments, a resolution regarding the ownership of exotic animals passed the American Bar Association House of Delegates Meeting in February, 2015.
“Brandi, you’re a fine girl”—Maryland Appellate Court upholds $200,000 non-economic damages verdict in deputy/dog shooting case By Melissa Anne Maye Animal Law, April 2015 In a decision that animal lovers can only hope will soon become common-place, the Court came down in favor of recognizing that pets can be worth more than just their fair market value to their owners.
1 comment (Most recent April 4, 2015)
Editor’s corner By Melissa Anne Maye Animal Law, April 2015 Updates on the Section's recent activities, practice news, and an introduction to this issue from Editor Melissa Anne Maye.
Observations of an old country lawyer…. or, cows and dogs sleeping together…. By Edward T. Graham Agricultural Law, April 2015 A discussion of current "dog-bite" and "cow-in-the-road" statutes and caselaw.
What happens to companion animals when their masters’ marriages go to the dogs? By Amy Brammell Animal Law, April 2015 A general overview of companion animal custody following divorce or formal separation.
Observations of an old country lawyer…. or, cows and dogs sleeping together…. By Edward T. Graham General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, March 2015 A discussion of current "dog-bite" and "cow-in-the-road" statutes and caselaw.
1 comment (Most recent February 25, 2015)
Observations of an old country lawyer…. or, cows and dogs sleeping together…. By Edward T. Graham Bench and Bar, March 2015 A discussion of current "dog-bite" and "cow-in-the-road" statutes and caselaw.
Animal cruelty as a criminal offense: The role of abuser registries in combating cruelty By Sarah Hanneken Animal Law, November 2014 Despite proponents’ adamant claims regarding these intended benefits, offender registries have been widely criticized by scholars and law enforcement for their shortcomings and unintended consequences.
Disaster preparation in Illinois By David H. Hopkins Animal Law, November 2014 Disaster preparedness should include advance plans for evacuation or rescue of pets. In 2010, the American Bar Association approved a Model Act Governing Standards for the Care and Disposition of Disaster Animals. But there are significant issues to be addressed before the Model Act is adopted in Illinois.
Animal law news roundup: A summary of recent news affecting animal law By Melissa Anne Maye Animal Law, September 2014 A summary of recent news articles from around the country discussing current animal law issues.
Unbridled or reined in? Horse cloning suit shows antitrust risks for association rule-making By Beth L. Fancsali & Aaron J. Hersh Animal Law, September 2014 Cloning of animals, and whether a breed association can ban clones from its registry, is the subject of much debate: not only from a scientific and moral standpoint, but now also from an antitrust perspective.
Unbridled or reined in? Horse cloning suit shows antitrust risks for association rule-making By Beth L. Fancsali & Aaron J. Hersh June 2014 Cloning of animals, and whether a breed association can ban clones from its registry, is the subject of much debate: not only from a scientific and moral standpoint, but now also from an antitrust perspective.
No strict liability under the Illinois Animal Control Act By Jason G. Schutte Tort Law, March 2014 In Hayes v. Adams, the Second District analyzed whether a dog owner who is not in actual possession or control of their dog at the time the dog bites and injures someone can be liable to the injured person under the Illinois Animal Control Act.
Mengarelli v. Marquardt & ORAH Animal Hospital … A different kind of settlement By Anna E. Morrison-Ricordati Animal Law, February 2014 A discussion of this provocative case.
1 comment (Most recent February 25, 2014)
New legislation affects companion animal euthanasia and increases penalties for animal abuse committed before minors By Ledy VanKavage Animal Law, February 2014 The Illinois State Bar Association Animal Law Section has voted to endorse two new bills introduced in the Illinois Legislature.
Pet provisions in marital settlement agreements By Angela Peters Animal Law, February 2014 Sample provisions of a pet agreement.
“Why did the urban chicken cross the road?” How chickens are making “inroads” into urban communities By Melissa Anne Maye Local Government Law, December 2013 Urban chicken-keeping is on the rise, and suburban attorneys should familiarize themselves with local ordinances in order to properly advise their clients of the requirements of their local municipality.
Pet provisions in marital settlement agreements By Angela Peters Family Law, November 2013 A helpful guide to drafting pet agreements.
1 comment (Most recent November 27, 2013)
The Obama Administration opposes breed discriminatory legislation By Ledy VanKavage Animal Law, October 2013 President Obama’s Administration put out a very clear statement in opposition to breed discriminatory legislation in their response to a petition on the White House’s “We The People” website
The Section Council’s focus on “mean seeds” By David H. Hopkins Animal Law, October 2013 The Animal Law Section Council resolved in June to explore with appropriate Illinois officials the ultimate question presented by a recent study: Should the “mean seeds” species be banned from future Conservation Reserve Progarm plantings in Illinois?
“Why did the urban chicken cross the road?” How chickens are making “inroads” into urban communities By Melissa Anne Maye Animal Law, October 2013 Urban chicken-keeping is on the rise, and suburban attorneys should familiarize themselves with local ordinances in order to properly advise their clients of the requirements of their local municipality.
Governor Quinn signs anti-tethering law By Melissa Anne Maye Animal Law, August 2013 In July of 2013, Governor Quinn signed new legislation amending the Humane Care for Animals Act by adding section 3.035 Tethering (510 ILCS 70/3.035).
Independent panel finds bureaucratic mismanagement of wild horse herds continues By Melissa Anne Maye Animal Law, August 2013 A 14-member independent panel assembled by the National Science Academy’s National Research Council at the request of the Bureau of Land Management concluded that the BLM’s removal of nearly 100,000 horses from the Western range over the past decade is probably having the opposite effect of its intention to ease ecological damage and reduce overpopulated horse herds.
No strict liability under the Illinois Animal Control Act By Jason G. Schutte Animal Law, August 2013 In Hayes v. Adams, the Second District analyzed whether a dog owner who is not in actual possession or control of their dog at the time the dog bites and injures someone can be liable to the injured person under the Illinois Animal Control Act.
No strict liability under the Illinois Animal Control Act By Jason G. Schutte Civil Practice and Procedure, August 2013 In Hayes v. Adams, the Second District analyzed whether a dog owner who is not in actual possession or control of their dog at the time the dog bites and injures someone can be liable to the injured person under the Illinois Animal Control Act.
Pet Lemon Law By Angela Peters Animal Law, August 2013 This new law provides consumer protections when purchasing cats and dogs from a pet store. It helps to ensure pet owners are provided with healthy pets upon purchase. If a licensed veterinarian determines an animal ‘unfit’ within 21 days of purchase, a buyer would have the option to get a replacement pet, a full refund on the animal, or be reimbursed by the pet store for veterinary fees.
Constitutional claims and criminal charges—How to evaluate cases when police shoot dogs By Ledy VanKavage & Anna E. Morrison-Ricordati Animal Law, April 2013 While dog-shooting cases have come a long way from early decisions requiring courts to determine that a non-fatal shooting amounted to an improper seizure, the cases are almost always met with the same defenses.
Florida v. Harris & proof of the reliability of the drug-detection canine By Rob Shumaker Animal Law, April 2013 This article addresses case law on drug-detection dogs, the recent United States Supreme Court opinion, and offers insight on how prosecutors, defense counsel and trial judges should consider the issue of a dog’s reliability in detecting illegal narcotics.
Recent case law summary By Melissa Anne Maye Animal Law, April 2013 Recent cases of interest to animal law practitioners.

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