Law and Order in the Animal World

Monday, 03 March 2014 13:36

Law and Order in the Animal World ^Featured

Written by Menifee Buzz Staff

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You don’t have to be a vegetarian to love and respect animals. In fact, I am an attorney that dedicates a portion of my practice to animal law but who still enjoys a good steak from time to time (don’t tell my Doctor).

Animal law is a diverse area of the law and in fact is a fairly new practice area. Few attorneys practice in animal law. To be honest I think the reason is not because they love animals any less, but rather animal law is not the most lucrative. However, I practice animal law because my four dogs told me to and I love giving back to animals who give so much to us. I have always felt that our pets give us unconditional love, shouldn’t we return the favor?

Animal law runs the full spectrum from the controversial fois gras ban to the mundane. Horse boarding and training is popular in our community. Owning a horse boarding facility is full of legal pitfalls from possible injuries (an prevention of such), duty to provide care to the boarded animals, contractual issues, bailor /bailee issues, land use and zoning issues. As our community grows our City wide master plan favors developments from commercial to residential and we are losing agriculture areas within our city. As the developments begin to rise from the ground we will continue to wage a legal battle to protect our current horse enthusiasts from being completely zoned away.

The worst part of practicing animal law is dealing with injuries to animals. Thankfully, most injuries are caused by accident or negligence but believe it or not some people intentionally injure animals. There are criminal and civil penalties that are used as legal remedies for intentionally injuring any animal. The law is changing when it comes to what damages are recoverable for an injured pet and it appears that the law is starting to favor stricter and larger damage awards against the wrong doer.

As an animal attorney and estate planning attorney it is always great when someone has the means and forethought to provide for their animal companions after their death. When a animal lover performs their estate plan we can now (thanks to newly developed “pet trusts”) provide for their animal companion after the owners passing by ensuring that there will be resources and people in place to care for their animal.

Lastly, there are great local agencies and non-profit animal organizations in our local area that I have had the joy of working with and for. From drafting the incorporation documents and 501(c)3 applications to helping steer the organizations through the legal process of running a non-profit. It is always gratifying to know that there are people with the time and ability to care for animals in need.

In closing, the law is able to assist you in protecting your animal companions, seeking damages if they are injured, or providing for your animals in the event you are no longer able to. As Bob Barker always said – “remember to spay and neuter your pets.”

Jeremiah Raxter

Raxter Law, Jeremiah Raxter, Esq.

27851 Bradley Rd, Suite 145

Menifee, Ca 92586

951-226-5294

Read 7872 times Last modified on Thursday, 13 March 2014 07:22