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Question:
I am a third-year law student at WVU. I am trying to start up an animal rights chapter as well as find an instructor for an animal rights class. Karen Cornfield suggested that I contact you, as I am a member of several animal support organizations. The demand for animal rights education at WVU is great. Almost 50 responses in support of a program indicate a demand for education. I was a nurse before I went to law school, so I see animal abuse from a medical perspective. As well, the loyalty and assistance of pets helping man to heal is incredible. Please advise me in starting an animal support chapter and finding a professor or professors to teach our class. Thank you for all of your help and hard work.
Answer:
I suggest that you visit the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s website at www.aldf.org and click on “law students.” There’s good information on how to get programs started at law schools. If you need further information after reviewing the site, I suggest you contact ALDF directly at 170 East Cotati Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931, Phone: (707) 795-2533, Fax: (707) 795-7280, General Inquiries: info@aldf.org. Sometimes a professor at a law school will teach an animal law class and other times an animal rights lawyer in the area, if any, will teach the course.
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Question:
My horse degloved his leg in a wire fence (pasture) due to frolicking horses and tall grass. I've spent over $3,000 in medical costs and face at least $3,000 for skin grafts. I sublease from the other boarder who leases from the property owner. Is the owner of the property liable for damages to my horse? He had a severed tendon and blood vessel and 80 stitches. He later required removal of 17 pounds of proud flesh. Is there and financial help for me?
Answer:
I doubt the property owner would be liable but you may wish to ask him/her to refer this matter over to his/her insurance company. If the insurance company will not pay you, you may wish to sue in Small Claims Court and see what the judge has to say. This matter is complicated by the fact that your agreement is with another boarder. You should try to ascertain what agreement the boarder has with the property owner and if such agreement contains provisions for damages to the horses. Typically in a lawsuit you would need to demonstrate that the property owner was negligent or did not exercise reasonable care in boarding your horse. Since you knew your horse was being boarded where there was wire fencing, an argument may be made by the property owner that you assumed the risk of injury to your horse.
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Question:
I live in the state of MA and the vet is also in MA. I called the vet and requested an appointment for a rabies shot. When the appointment was over I was being charged for an yearly visit as well. I didn't ask for this nor did they tell me that they were giving this service. The lady told me that it is policy to do this if the animal hasn't been in for a year and they don't have to tell me. I had borrowed money for the rabies shot. I wouldn't have been able to pay for the yearly even if I wanted to. I have no intention of paying for a service I did not request. As far as I know, pets are considered property. Legally do I have to pay this extra charge?
Answer:
I suggest you discuss this misunderstanding with the veterinarian (unless the lady you refer to in your e-mail is the vet) and perhaps you can work out a payment plan or perhaps he/she will agree not to charge you for the shots. If you cannot reach an understanding of any kind then the veterinarian may sue (although I think it is unlikely). At that time, you can explain to the judge why you chose not to pay. Keep in mind that in the interim this situation might adversely affect your credit rating. The good news is that your dog is vaccinated. This normally should be done unless titers are checked which may indicate that the dog does not need certain vaccinations.
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