Lawyers highlight animal law’s broad impact through committee work

When Tim Sansone was pro bono counsel in an appeal involving “Mack the dog” several years ago, he wasn’t prepared for how much that case would shape his perspective — and lead to involvement on The Missouri Bar’s Animal Law Committee.

“It was through this experience that I truly came to appreciate how important animals can be to family members,” Sansone recalled. “I had not previously seen such dedication and determination to regain possession of an animal using the court system.”

Now committee chair, Sansone is one of 247 lawyers on the bar’s Animal Law Committee.

Animal law has many subdisciplines, including practices focused on companion animals, animals used in research, farmed animals, wildlife, and more. With a wide range of topics, the Animal Law Committee regularly reviews matters related to animals and reports on developments to lawyers.

The Animal Law Committee also partners with other Missouri Bar committees to offer joint CLE presentations during Spring and Fall Committee Meetings, highlighting how animal law can intersect with various practice areas, including estate planning, family law, criminal law, contracts, false advertising, and environmental law.

Earlier this year, the Animal Law Committee partnered with the Veterans and Military Law Committee to host a CLE on the use of animals in the military and regulations regarding animals on military installations. During Fall Committee Meetings, Nov. 17-20, the Animal Law and Criminal Practice & Procedure committees will present a CLE panel covering crimes against animals, highlighting Missouri cases.

Committee Vice-Chair Jamie McLaughlin, whose main practice focus is animal law, cited the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s 2024 “U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings,” which placed Missouri 37th out of 50 by state rank.

“I know that Missourians love animals,” McLaughlin said. “Joining the committee and serving as a vice-chair helps bring focused attention to animal law issues through our committee work and can stimulate progress for animals in Missouri.”

Sansone encouraged lawyers to consider joining a Missouri Bar committee as they are great resources for lawyers, particularly for solo and small firm practitioners.

“Committees provide space for attorneys to come together, learn, network, gain practice resources, and make new friends,” McLaughlin added. “Everyone has a unique perspective. A variety of perspectives can lead to unforeseen solutions to tackling legal issues.”