VESILIND LAW FIRM
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Animal Attorney Services

When confronted with a legal issue like one of the examples here, consider the benefits of consulting with an attorney who is well-versed in the intricacies and nuances of animal law.  
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Custody and Ownership Disputes
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Animal Control Seizures & Hearings
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Services for Businesses Working with Animals
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Zoning & Other Issues for Backyard Animals
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Harm or Fatal Injury to Your Pet
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Pet Trusts: Providing for Your Pets
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Support for Rescue & Other Non-Profits
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Representation for Advocates & Activists
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Threats to Your Pet
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Service & Therapy Animal Issues
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Consumer Fraud & Product Liability
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Farmed Animals in Industrial Agriculture


 

DISPUTES OVER OWNERSHIP, CUSTODY, VISITATION, or FINANCIAL SUPPORT
  • disagreements over custody or support, between separating spouses, partners, or roommates
  • contracts between co-owners of an animal 
  • wrongful adoption of your dog or cat by a shelter or rescue organization
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THREATS, HARM, or FATAL INJURY TO YOUR PET
  • threats by a neighbor or estranged family member to harm your pet
  • serious or fatal injury at a boarding or grooming facility, or with someone you hired to care for her
  • death resulting from incompetent veterinary care, or tainted food or medicine
  • unwarranted shooting by law enforcement officer
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"DANGEROUS DOG" SEIZURES and HEARINGS
  • navigating the legal process when your dog has bitten, or is accused of biting, another person or animal
  • appealing a determination by Animal Control that your dog is legally “dangerous”
  • seizure and detention of your pet by animal control authorities ​
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PROVIDING FOR YOUR COMPANION ANIMAL IN YOUR ABSENCE
​Under current law, a pet may not be a beneficiary in your will.  And many “pet contracts” available online are not legally binding.  
  • preparing for the possibility that you become temporarily or permanently unable to care for your animals
  • establishing a pet trust that ensures your animals will be cared for according to your wishes
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SERVICE ANIMALS and THERAPY ANIMALS
  • landlords or employers who refuse to accept a therapy or service animal
  • problems with general access or use of public transportation 
  • obtaining or proving service or therapy status 
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SMALL BUSINESSES and NON-PROFITS SERVING ANIMALS 
    Boarding Kennels, Groomers, Dog-walkers, Pet-Sitters, Trainers
​    Rescue and Adoption operations, Transport services, Trap-Spay/Neuter-Release (TNR) organizations
  • consultation on your legal duties and liabilities
  • reviewing or drafting contracts: 
             - liability waivers and releases
             - adoption and foster care contracts
             - employee and volunteer contracts and releases
             - client applications and customer agreements
  • insurance and bonding concerns
  • obtaining and maintaining federal and state non-profit status
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CONSUMER FRAUD and PRODUCTS LIABILITY 
  • Misleading or fraudulent labeling of pet products 
  • ​Deceptive advertising practices
  • Defective or toxic products
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ZONING ORDINANCES and RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS (home- or condo-owners associations)
  • ​zoning variances for keeping "agricultural" animals
  • complying with municipal ordinances and state laws regarding farmed animals
  • resolving animal-related disputes with an HOA or COA
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ANIMAL ADVOCATES and ACTIVISTS
  • consultation on First Amendment rights of free expression rights or association 
  • challenging the validity or constitutionality of "ag gag" or "right to farm" laws
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