Student Animal Legal Defense Fund

Calling all students, attorneys, legislators and judges. Don't miss your chance to learn from animal law experts this summer! Steven Wise, leading author, professor and attorney is teaching "Animal Rights Law" on July 3- July 13. Jonathon Lovvom and Nancy Perry of the Humane Society of the US are teaching "Animal Litigation, Legislation and Lobbying" on July 24 - August 2. Wildlife law expert and L&C professor, Daniel Rohlf is teaching the endangered Species Act Seminar on June 5 - June 15. The classes are open to everyone with a college degree. For more information, go to the National Centere for Animal Law website.

In early April, Bill Stangle, Senior Research Specialist of Arlington Agricultural Research Station, personally guided SALDF on a tour of the 2,037 acre research station. Arlington, located about 20 miles north of Madison, holds cropland, greenhouses, and livestock laboratories and housing. Through close working relationships, Arlington provides support and coordination to the smaller groups which make up the main research station system of UW.

These smaller groups include dairy scientists strategizing nutritional programs that will prevent fatty liver and ketosis; animal scientists conducting nutritional, physiological, and genetic studies on beef cattle, swine, and sheep; poultry scientists exploring biotechnology; veterinary scientists studying animal health and reproduction; as well as plant scientists; plant pathologists; soil scientists; and entomologists.

The animal facilities at Arlington fall under the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences Animal Care and Use Committee oversight. In early 2007, it earned full accreditation from the non-profit organization, Association for Assessment and Accreditation of of Laboratory Animal Care International.

That organization promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs.

"The organization works to guide agricultural and biomedical animal research programs to accreditation, despite their name referencing laboratory animals. Overall, by choosing to become an accredited animal care program, the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences has worked to assure both animal and human welfare in research labs and in agricultural settings, incorporating best management and veterinary practices and continually addressing animal and human safety, personnel training, and supportive physical plant needs."
Gail Stirr, Research Compliance Specialist, CALS Research Division.

Arlington has an open door policy and encourages visitors.

If you are interested in taking your own tour, or have questions for the farmers and researchers, the Arlington Agricultural Research Station can be contacted at N695 Hopkins Rd., Arlington, WI 53911 or (608) 846-3761. For more information about the accreditation process, visit http://www.aaalac.org/. For more information regarding animal care programs at UW-Madison, visit http://www.rarc.wisc.edu/.

Eleven neglected cats have been permanently rescued from horrific living conditions, thanks to the hard work of an Oregon attorney and some legal maneuvering by the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Now cats like Possum, Jerry, Pearl, Larry, and Amy - all of whom were found to be suffering from dehydration, urine burns, and infections-are happy, relaxed, and learning what it means to have loving homes.

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One of the principle dangers facing animals in America today is neglect. According to ALDF's National Cruelty Case Database, "neglect" is among the most common forms of animal abuse reported. Whether it is a case involving a single animal or one involving dozens or even hundreds of animals, the net effect of such abuse on each individual animal is often staggering and irreparable. While cases of sadistic cruelty to animals often snag the headlines, the suffering of the neglected animal deprived of the most basic care--shelter from the elements, food, even water--can be even more appalling.

ALDF has issued an all-new report reviewing the status of the laws of each state in the country by chronicling both their statutes and caselaw as they relate to animal neglect. The report then makes recommendations of statutory options that have the potential for reducing the tragic incidence of neglect in the future.

Download a copy of the report now.

Left to care for another's dog, Cornell University senior Alexander Atkind allegedly beat the dog severely and doused her head and body with bleach. The dog, Princess, was discovered with a deep laceration on her head, and was additionally treated for chemical burns as well as gastrointestinal issues likely caused by the ingestion of bleach. A grand jury will consider a felony animal cruelty indictment.

Atkind was reportedly 5 weeks away from graduation at the time of the incident, which occurred off campus property. This case illustrates the potential, and perhaps obligation, which academic institutions have to commit to a standard for student behavior which considers - and takes a meaningful stand against - criminal violence, acknowledging its well-documented (often thanks to the research efforts of the academic community) effects in society.

Take action now!

The conference will be held in Westin LAX, Los Angeles on July 19-23. Take advantage of the discounted $120 full registration for the Animal Rights 2007 National Conference until May 15th! Other discounts also available. (a $40 savings off the regular $160 registration)!
This incredible early registration discount includes the full conference (Thursday's opening July 19 through the post-conference activities on Monday July 23rd), videos, exhibits, snacks and entertainment. This offer will end soon. Please note that lodging and meals are separate.

You can register online or call 800-632-8688