Spotlight: Delaney Mutchler-Mara

Delaney Mutchler-Mara is the 2026 recipient of the Stacey Gordon Sterling Scholarship as part of the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Advancement of Animal Law Scholarship series.

What Animal Legal Defense Fund student chapter activities are you proudest of and why?

The chapter activities I’m proudest of are our donation drive for the York County SPCA and Central PA Horse Rescue and our volunteer day at the Central PA Horse Rescue. These activities were both opportunities for our chapter to directly give back to animals and animal rescues in our community.

Any other noteworthy experience?

Other awesome events my SALDF hosted this year included our Veganuary dairy-free ice cream social, neighborhood dog walk, tabling for National Animal Cruelty Prevention Month, and hosting speakers such as a veterinarian-lawyer and an environmental law attorney who talked to us about the Endangered Species Act.  Another noteworthy experience I had was attending the Animal Law Conference in Chicago in 2025, where I had the pleasure of meeting my colleagues in the ALDF’s Pro Bono Program.

What is an animal law related goal of yours for the upcoming academic year?

My primary, animal law related goal for the upcoming academic year is passing a local ordinance banning the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores.

What are your plans/goals for post-graduation?

My goal for post-graduation is to work towards becoming a special prosecutor of animal cruelty crimes, as I also have a passion for criminal law. However, my ultimate goal is to work as an animal attorney, and I would thank my lucky stars for the privilege to do that as a government, non-profit, or public interest firm attorney.

What is one piece of advice that you’d like to pass on to other Animal Legal Defense Fund student chapter leaders?

Be persistent and keep the animals at the center of your work! There will be times when people tell you you’re silly for wanting to be a lawyer for animals or don’t show up to your SALDF events and meetings. However, you can’t become discouraged. In those moments, you must remind yourself that you, as a single person, are still a significant “drop” in the “ocean” that is the animal welfare/rights movement.

Learn more about the other 2026 Advancement in Animal Law Scholarship winners.