No matter if you wish to become an animal lawyer or you wish to hire one's services, knowing the full length of their responsibilities might be of help. If you require the latter, here is what an animal lawyer should be able to do for you.
Animal Lawyers – Their Overall Job
Animal lawyers are tied to every legal dispute and case that is related to animals. They deal with animal cruelty, pet custody, veterinary malpractice, tainted food products for pets, and other animal-related legal matters. For example, if the case involves an injury caused by a dog, you might have to go for a dog bite lawyer.
In most cases, animal lawyers only work indirectly with the animal. Still, they might require occasional interaction with the animal.
However, in the majority of cases, animal attorneys will only handle judicial matters and will work with the employees and clients.
Extended Duties and Responsibilities of an Animal Lawyer
Every animal lawyer will generally have the responsibility of doing the following tasks:
- Conducting research
- Advising their clients
- Staying informed on the issues regarding animals' rights
- Interpreting previous rulings and laws
- Analyzing legal questions of importance
- Preparing legal documents
- Presenting facts in writing, as well as verbally
- Filing relevant legal documents
An animal lawyer generally handles animal legal protection. They may be hired by an individual, or they may be approached by an organization for a variety of reasons, such as veterinary malpractice or wrongful death. Animal lawyers might also be asked to come into the defense of a dog that caused injury to a human.
They also have several duties, depending on the area where they are conducting their practices. They might conduct research on a case, prepare legal documents, create pet trusts, conduct depositions, and argue a case in court. They might also publish case studies concerning animal law.
An animal lawyer will generally act in the interest of the animal, saving both the animal owner and the animal from any potential prosecution. If there is no absolute reason for prosecution and the matter can be resolved without the animal's euthanasia, for example, the lawyer will gather all the facts necessary to support the dispute.
The Education of an Animal Lawyer
Most animal lawyers finish a 4-year undergraduate degree that will get them accepted into law school. There are several majors and programs that they may go for, but in order to be eligible, they will need to follow an animal specialty program. Courses on animal law are currently taught at most of the Ivy League schools that have a law program.
Final Thoughts
The animal lawyer works with the owner of a dog or with the organization/individual that hired them. They have the interest of the animal in mind, and their job is to ensure the animal's rights are being respected. They do the job of a "people lawyer" – the only difference is that they defend those that cannot speak for themselves.