Agenda

The New York Animal Law Update will provide attorneys and law students the opportunity to hear from experts in the New York animal law community on topics including legislation, civil law, criminal law, and environmental law – all while getting CLE credits!

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Registration & Breakfast

9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Suing on Behalf of Animals
Kelsey Eberly, Staff Attorney, Animal Legal Defense Fund

Christopher Wlach, Chair of the New York Bar Association

Topics will include CAARE v. SUNY, foie gras, and New York unfair business practices statute.

11:00 – 11:15 a.m. Break

11:15 – 12:45 p.m. Legislative Efforts on Behalf of Animals

Stacy Wolf, Senior Vice President, Policy, Response & Engagement, ASPCA

Jennifer Hauge, Legislative Affairs Manager, Animal Legal Defense Fund

Topics will include Bella’s Bill, anti-cruelty laws, shelter requirements, and security posting laws.

12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Keynote: Creating Change When You See a Need for Change: how one prosecutor took it upon herself to advocate for animals in her county.

Nicoletta Caferri, Chief, Animal Cruelty Prosecutions Unit, Queens County DA’s Office

Nicoletta Caferri is a career prosecutor who serves as the inaugural Chief in the Animal Cruelty Prosecutions Unit at the Queens County District Attorney’s Office. Nicoletta will share her exceptional story leading up to the creation of the unit and her work in the unit itself.

2:15 – 2:30 p.m. Break

2:30 – 4:00 p.m. The Criminal Justice System and Animals

Martha Smith-Blackmore, DVM, President & Director of Veterinary Forensics, Forensic Veterinary Investigations, LLC

Diane Balkin, Senior Staff Attorney, Criminal Justice Program, Animal Legal Defense Fund

Topics include evidence collection, forfeiture and bonds, forensic specialties, and expert testimony.

4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Reception

Join us for appetizers, drinks, and networking with fellow attendees and speakers during this complimentary reception.