Animal Law

Mission

To promote the study and understanding of laws, regulations, and court decisions involving animals and encourage and support the practice of animal law.

The State Bar of Arizona Animal Law Section is on the cutting edge of the emerging field of animal law. Arizona was one of the first to adopt an animal law section within its state bar (according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, there are now 28 state sections/committees and countless local, regional, national and international groups). The American Bar Association also recently added an Animal Law Committee that is part of the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS).

Section members practice throughout the state, and include public lawyers, sole practitioners and lawyers practicing in large firms. The Animal Law Section also invites non-attorneys (students, law-enforcement personnel, veterinarians and anyone else with an interest in animal law) to join as non-voting affiliates.

Members’ interests in animals are also diverse. Some section members prosecute animal cruelty cases. Others are estate planning/probate attorneys who have expertise in assisting their clients in arranging to provide for their animals in the event of the person’s disability or death. Some serve on boards of non-profit animal shelters or other organizations that advocate for animal welfare, while others represent businesses involving animals such as pet stores or pet owners in civil disputes. Some focus on issues impacting wildlife, while others have an interest in agriculture. We are horse people, dog people, cat people, bird people, and every other kind of animal person. Many are animal lovers, in general, or just interested in this emerging area of the law.

Whatever your interest in animals, we have something to offer, and invite you to join our section. The Animal Law Section’s online community is available HERE.