State Bar Association Offers CLE Program on Animal Law

ALBANY, NY (04/26/2007)(readMedia)-- The New York State Bar Association's Special Committee on Animals and the Law will host a Continuing Legal Education forum titled "Anatomy of a Dangerous Dog Case," on Friday, May 11, 2007, at the New York State Bar Center beginning at 12:30 p.m. The Bar Center is located at One Elk Street in Albany, New York.

Experts and attorneys practicing in the field of animal law, including Stacy Wolf, Esq., Senior Director, ASPCA, Legislative Services & Anti-Cruelty Training in Brunswick, New York, will present issues highlighting key principles of New York's Dangerous Dog Law, summarizing changes that have occurred since the law was amended in 2004.

Amy Trakinski, Esq. and Leonard Egert, Esq., two experienced litigators in the field of animal law, will discuss practical aspects of representing a client in a dangerous dog case in Town and Village Courts. Dr. Peter Borchelt, PhD, who has served as an expert witness in many dangerous dog cases, will provide information on dog bites, dog-dog aggression and dog-human aggression. Ramapo Town Justice Arnold Etelson will offer unique perspectives from his experiences on the bench. The program will conclude with a panel discussion, including questions and answers.

"New Yorkers love their pets but with that comes an increase in the number of dogs. Unfortunately, these increased numbers result in some dog bites," Special Committee Chair Holly Kennedy Passantino, Esq., of New York City said. "This is a serious public health issue and a serious legal issue that often affects children. It is vitally important that lawyers understand this law so that they can serve their clients to the best of their abilities."

The primary mission of NYSBA's Special Committee on Animals and the Law is to serve as a resource for lawyers and the public about developments in the area of animal law. The Committee attempts to assist the public in achieving a full understanding of how the laws work as they relate to people and animals. Many New York laws, such as licensing and leash requirements, seek to prevent dog bites, but when bites do occur, it is important that all those involved are guaranteed due process in order to ensure a just outcome.

The event will begin at 12:30 p.m. and run until 4 p.m., with the panel discussion beginning at 3:15 p.m. This advanced-level course may be used for New York MCLE credit by all attorneys, except those who are newly admitted (less than 24 months), for 3.5 credit hours in practice management and/or areas of practice. The panel will be moderated by the Hon. Helene Goldberger, chair of the Education subcommittee of the NYSBA Special Committee on Animals and the Law.

For more information about this program please link to the Association's web site at http://www.nysba.org/DangerousDogs.

The 72,000-member New York State Bar Association, founded in 1876, is the official statewide organization of lawyers in New York and the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. NYSBA programs and activities have continuously served the public and improved the justice system for more than 130 years.

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