United States

Summary: Mr. Wise analyzes experiential recognition of the bond that exists between human companions and companion animals in the context of possible recovery of tort damages for the wrongful death of a companion animal. He demonstrates that companion animals are often seen by their human companions as members of the family (holding much the same status as children). He discusses historical aspects of the common law as they relate to current tort law in such cases and examines the tension that exists between principle and policy.

Summary: In this article, the author postulates that there is more than a mere coincidence between various forms of family violence. Furthermore, that acts of cruelty towards family pets are a form of family violence that has been largely unrecognized by the legal community. Admitting that much research still needs to be done to establish that there is a link between abuse towards people and abuse towards animals, the author invites the reader to consider this multi-victim approach to family violence and offers the strengthening of animal cruelty laws as a solution to this grave societal problem.

Summary: Mr. McGovern discusses the reasoning behind the leap from patentability of non-living things to the living things within the last twenty years. He concludes that neither the Supreme Court or Court of Customs and Patent Appeals has offered a convincing rationale for the inclusion of living things within 35 U.S.C. Section 101.

Summary: The law regarding animals can also affect those who own, use, or enjoy them. In recent years, the equine industry has become more vulnerable to liability as a result of recent court decisions undermining the traditional view that persons who participate in horseback riding assume the risk of injuries they incur. This paper examines six significant cases, as well as statutes passed by state legislatures to meet the challenges posed by these decisions. The legislative history and debate over the passage of a Connecticut bill are examined to illustrate the policy behind equine liability acts.

Summary: Mr. Duckler examines the historical perceptions of zoo animals as legal entities and discusses a proposal to classify zoo animals as objects for historical preservation, suggesting that zoo animals and society will be better served by a change in the historical legal status of zoos and zoo animals.

Summary: Approximately thirty-five million dollars are spent each year by the Animal Damage Control division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to destroy predator animals that supposedly kill livestock. The methods by which the ADC kills these “predators” are appalling. Mr. Hoch argues that funding for this program is excessive, irresponsible, and raises serious ethical questions. He concludes that ADC activities should be terminated immediately.

Summary: Ms. Hessler examines the constitutionality of the federal hunter harassment statute and concludes that protests of hunting events should be protected under the First Amendment.

Summary: The 104th Congress legislated a complete moratorium on the listing of species and critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act. Mr. Kopf explores the motivations behind the moratorium and hows how market forces may further weaken the ESA. This article questions whether the moratorium and its subsequent repeal signal a new era of environmental awareness or a return to industry’s discreet manipulation of the legislative process.

Summary: Mr. Francione examines the philosophies of Peter Singer and Tom Regan and concludes, in part, that there is nothing in rights theory that necessarily precludes the animal advocate from pursuing incremental legislative or judicial change; however, he asserts that we cannot speak meaningfully of legal rights for animals as long as animals are regarded as property.

Summary: A presentation to the Senior Lawyers division of the American Bar Association in Orlando, Florida on August 2, 1996.