Animal Law Introduction

Rebeka Breder - Animal Law Lawyer & Tero ( Great Dane / Mastiff rescue )

Animal Law is a new area of legal practice in Canada.

"It is similar to where Environmental Law was about 20 to 25 years ago."

Rebeka Breder with Tero,

135Lbs Great Dane Mastiff rescue.

While there have always been some forms of environmental disputes, the term “Environmental Law” really started to be used only at that time. Similarly, wildlife and general animal issues have also always existed, but it is only now that we are starting to hear about the term “Animal Law”.

When I was 12 years old, I wanted to be an environmental lawyer. This was not for environmental reasons per se, but I wanted to be a lawyer to help wildlife and animals. At that time, “Animal Law” did not exist (or at least not in Canada), but I can now say that I am on my way to fulfill my true dreams of being an Animal Law lawyer.

What is Animal Law? It should be clear that Animal Law is not animal rights. Animal Law entails both the defense of animals and their rights, as well as what animal rights people would consider the defense or prosecution of “anti-animal rights” types of matters.

Animal Law is a very broad area of legal practice that includes the following:

- animal custody disputes;

- condominium – landlord and strata disputes;

- wildlife issues, including hunting and culls;

- municipal issues in relation to the keeping of pets, “nuisance” wildlife

- discrimination laws;

- animal cruelty;

- veterinary malpractice cases;

- providing for pets in wills, enforceable trusts, agreements, etc;

- boarding or grooming problems;

- disputes involving breeders and their customers

- product liability (ie: pet food)