Nearly half of Massachusetts households have pets. Each of those pets have an owner who assumes that they have certain rights under the law. But a wide gulf still exists between owners’ expectations about their rights and the reality of the law. Although property law principles technically govern issues involving pet owners’ rights, the law in Massachusetts has slowly begun adapting - via the legislature and the judiciary - to reflect the legal importance of this special type of living property. This program explores the legal issues and challenges unique to representing pet owners in disputes regarding pet custody, wrongful pet injury, dog bites, and emotional support animals.
Learn the procedural considerations for bringing and/or defending pet owner-related actions in the District Court (both small claims and regular docket), Superior Court, Appeals Court, and Probate Court and uncover the strategic importance of decisionmaking regarding jurisdiction, forum, and venue.
Join our expert to learn the nuances of this evolving area of law.
Learn the procedural considerations for bringing and/or defending pet owner-related actions in the District Court (both small claims and regular docket), Superior Court, Appeals Court, and Probate Court and uncover the strategic importance of decisionmaking regarding jurisdiction, forum, and venue.
Join our expert to learn the nuances of this evolving area of law.
Course Content
11:00am - 11:05am: No. 1 Factor to Become a Dog Lawyer
11:05am - 11:15am: Who Retains a Dog Lawyer and Why
11:15pm - 11:55pm: Core Case Types for Pet Attorneys
11:55am - 12:35pm: Statutory View of Pets in Civil v. Criminal
12:35pm - 12:40pm: How a Dog Lawyer Can Impact Legislation
12:45pm - 1:00pm: "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways