On Course
Title: Law 761 “Animal Law”
Academic Area: School of Law
Semester: Spring 2007

When Marcy LaHart files a case against a puppy mill or helps a client regain custody of a wrongfully seized kitty, her thoughts never stray far from the ten furry, four-legged critters who are part of her own family. LaHart devotes a substantial portion of her practice to animal law, an expertise that grew out of some earlier pro bono work she did for a no-kill shelter. “They started referring cases to me as an ‘animal-friendly lawyer,’ and it sort of snowballed from there.” But for LaHart, who is not shy about sharing pictures of her six dogs and four cats, it’s a labor of love.

Last semester LaHart taught second- and third-year law students about the legal conflicts that can arise regarding animals, including pet custody, veterinary malpractice, dog bites, government regulation of animals, cruelty to animals, pets in housing, and pet trusts. “Legal advocates with specific training in those issues are currently rare but very much in demand,” she says.

The Animal Law course was added to the School of Law curriculum last semester with support from the Arnold and Barbara Grevior Animal Advocacy Fund, established by a $100,000 gift from alumnus Arnold Grevior, J.D. ’55.