Recap: 27th Annual Animal Law Conference

October 25-27, 2019 in Portland, Oregon.

November 15, 2019

That’s a wrap on the 27^th annual Animal Law Conference! More than 400 people attended this year’s event in Portland, Oregon to learn about the latest developments in animal law and animal protection from the field’s leaders. Co-presented by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School, and the Lewis & Clark Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Chapter, the Animal Law Conference is the world’s premiere animal law event.

This year’s thought-provoking theme — Representing Animals: Elevating Animal Status — explored the wide-ranging work being done to transform the legal status of animals. Panels included perspectives through the lens of criminal law, science, politics, civil litigation, and more. Read the full panel descriptions.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Center for Animal Law Studies’ Pamela Frasch, and Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Stephen Wells at the Friday reception

Animal Legal Defense Fund Founder and Center for Animal Law Studies Professor Joyce Tischler and Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells

Congressman Earl Blumenauer delivers the Friday keynote address

Animal Legal Defense Fund Education Coordinator Priscilla Rader introduces the panel “Understanding Our Clients: Philosophy, Ethology and the Law”

Attendees listen to Animal Legal Defense Fund Director of Litigation Matthew Liebman in “Transforming Animals’ Status through Civil Litigation”

Artist Jordan Hamilton displays her graphic mural depicting animals’ legal status

The 2019 Animal Law Conference Planning Committee

Presenting the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Pro Bono Achievement Awards

Professor Maneesha Deckha, Lansdowne Chair in Law at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law, gives the Saturday keynote

Animal Legal Defense Fund Staff Attorney Daniel Waltz speaks about the climate crisis in “Creative Approaches to Fighting Climate Change”

Attendees heard an inspiring Friday keynote address from Congressman Earl Blumenauer that touched on his ongoing legislative work to advance animal protection as well as his perspective on recent administrative decisions and actions. Professor Maneesha Deckha, Lansdowne Chair in Law at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law, delivered Saturday’s keynote address, “Inroads and Crossroads: Making Sense of Recent Pro-Animal Developments North of the Border.” Professor Deckha discussed recent legal developments in Canada that will have a positive impact on animals and what can be applied in the U.S. as lawyers continue to work to further animals’ legal status.

Thank you to platinum sponsor The Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and Policy, silver sponsor Chapman Cubine and Hussey (CCAH), and bronze sponsor ABA TIPS Animal Law Committee for their generous support of the 2019 Animal Law Conference.