2019 Animal Law Seminar

Registration deadline: 05/06/19

Join us for the 2019 Animal Law Seminar which will be held on Friday, May 10 at Mitchell Hamline. The Section is excited to continue a tradition of presenting recent developments and the latest hot topics in animal law. Come for the practical education and the opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. We look forward to seeing you!

8:30 - 9:00 AM - REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST

9:00 - 9:45 AM - What's Happening for Animals at the Minnesota Legislature?
Christine Coughlin, Minnesota Director for Humane Society of the United States

Every legislative session, thousands of bills are introduced at the Minnesota Legislature, with scores of them directly or indirectly affecting animals. This brief presentation will provide a snapshot of some of the most impactful pieces of legislation and their current status.

9:45 - 10:15 AM -2019 Proposed Ivory and Rhino Horn Legislation - Minnesota Helping To Do Its Part in the Fight against Extinction
Jack Fay, Jonathan Fay, PC

This presentation will provide some background on the illegal trade in ivory and rhino horn around the world, why there is a need for legislation within the state of Minnesota, and where we presently stand with respect to the proposed legislation.

10:15 - 10:30 AM - Protecting Animals with an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW): The Lone Lake Park Saga
Marshall Tanick, Meyer Njus Tanick PA

The brief presentation will address use of environmental laws and regulations as means of protecting wildlife, endangered species, and other animals, illustrated by real-life pending litigation

10:30 - 10:45 AM - BREAK

10:45 - 11:45 AM - Metro Coyotes
Dan Stark, DNR Large Carnivore Specialist

A relatively recent phenomenon, coyotes have become common in an increasing number of metropolitan areas across North America, including the Twin Cities. Although little is known of the magnitude of issues occurring in the area, urban coyotes have been studied in other large urban areas that can improve our understanding of how coyotes are becoming successful in this human dominated landscape. I'll review our understanding of their basic ecology; including diet, social behavior, movement patterns, and conflicts with people and pets. Through a better understanding of coyotes the public will be able to better respond to this adaptable wild animal as a new neighbor.

11:45 - 12:15 PM - LUNCH

12:15 - 1:15 PM - Everything You Wanted To Know About Animal Cruelty Prosecution
Reese Frederickson, Pine County Attorney

Have you ever wondered how animal cruelty cases are prosecuted in Minnesota?  Or why criminal animal cruelty cases seem to have lighter sentences than other crimes?  Or why some animal cruelty cases are declined or result in a plea bargain?  Reese will answer these questions and others in this session.  Reese will also take the audience behind the scenes of animal cruelty cases he has prosecuted, and discuss the outcomes and lessons learned.

1:15 - 2:15 PM - Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Service and Companion Animals in Our Living and Working Spaces
Robin Ann Williams, Bassford Remele

It seems that almost every week there’s at least one story in the media about service and companion animals.  Whether on planes, in restaurants, at apartment complexes, or elsewhere, disputes are breaking out about the types of animals that our laws allow, and where those animals are permitted to go.  This fun and interactive session will provide an overview of state and federal laws that apply to service and companion animals in a multitude of settings. 

2:15 - 2:30 PM - BREAK

2:30 - 4:00 PM - Animal Legal Status
Chris Berry, Animal Legal Defense Fund

Mr. Berry will discuss animal legal status, problems with "property" status of animals, and current/future trends, including the case of Justice the horse.

4:00 - 5:30 PM - HAPPY HOUR (off-site)

CLE Credits:

6.75 Standard credits to be applied for | Event Code: 273040

Cost:

Section Member: $60 
MSBA Member not in the section:  $90
Attorney Non-Member:  $120
Law Students: $15
Non-Attorneys: $25 (must call Kayla Erbach at 612-278-6325 to register)

Join the Animal Law Sectionand attend for $70 (must call Kayla Erbach at 612-278-6325 to register)

Remote Participation: 

Remote participation is not available.
 

Want more information about the Animal Law  Section? 
To register with a check, please mail in this registration form.
Need to cancel? Please see our cancellation policy.
Questions? Contact Kayla Erbach | 612-278-6325

The MSBA is committed to creating an inclusive environment in which all members can participate fully. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this event, please notify Kayla Erbach. Please provide notification at least 72 hours prior to the meeting to allow sufficient time to make arrangements for accommodations.