Animal Law
Representative Cases
- Represented animal advocates seeking to force the City of Los Angeles to close the elephant exhibit at the Zoo and place the elephants at an appropriate sanctuary or eliminate its abusive practices. Plaintiffs prevailed at trial and twice in the Court of Appeal. The verdict was ultimately reversed by the California Supreme Court.
- Represented the Gorilla Foundation against Cincinnati Zoo efforts to imprudently enforce a contract providing for transfer of an elderly male gorilla after “Koko” passed away. The litigation slowed down the transfer, and the Federal Court ordered the parties to work together for the safety of the gorilla.
- Represented the owners of two White Tigers against the County of Ventura, seeking reversal of the denial of their permit application. The decision of the County was reaffirmed and upheld on appeal.
- Represented animal advocates seeking to close unsafe businesses held out to the public as humane animal shelters. All businesses pursued for that reason were shut down.
- Helped to draft and/or secure passage of various pieces of animal welfare legislation now in effect.
- Mediated a case filed against Los Angeles County alleging improper care and treatment of animals in violation of existing animal welfare legislation. The case was favorably resolved, leading to a change in Los Angeles County ordinances governing the treatment of animals.
- Mediated a wrongful death claim involving a woman attacked by wild dogs, whose family claimed Los Angeles County was responsible. The case was favorably settled.
