1997: Law and Urban Planning: The Ethical Place for Animals

For information on future Animal Law Conference dates and locations, visit animallawconference.org.

The Animal Law Conference: Law and Urban Planning - The Ethical Place for Animals will offer a comprehensive discussion of current issues affecting animals in our ever growing euban environments. Panels will focus on the legal, social, and moral implications of the place of animals in urban areas.

As the issue of urban development is felt throughout the community, the conference will pertain to attorneys, government agencies, law students, animal protection advocates, and anyone else who works wit or is concerned about animals.

The Impact of the Urban Setting on Wildlife 
Wild animals were here before we moved in - but now we are neighbors. Can we all get along? This panel will look at the clashes between wild animals and the urban creatures (humans, pets, infastructure). The panelists will discuss animal control, urban planning, habitat encorachment and policy considerations for dealing with our wild neighbors. 

Dr. John Hadidian Director, Humane Society of the United States 
Kate Stenberg Wildlife biologist and Progran Manager, Urban Wildlife Program, King County, WA 
Nancy Perry Director, Humane Soceity of the United States 
Brooks Fahy Executive Director of the Predator Defense Instutute 

Development and Preservation of Wildlife 
This panel will address how developments can be regulated to minimize loss of habitats or species. Can residential development conceptually capitalize on animal supportive concepts as commercially viable? Can industrial and commercial development be a preferable land use for preservation or development of animal habitats? Which uses are most hostile to animals; most friendly? What tools are available to protect urban wildlife? Are zoning, planning and site approval regulations useful in preserving animal life or expanding it in development? 

Sara Vickerman Defenders of Wildlife, OR Biodiversity Project, Lake Oswego 
Rick Bastasch Willamette Valley Livability Forum 
Holly Michael OR Dept. of Fish and Wildlife 
Jennifer Budhabhatti Metro 

Animal Activism in the Urban Enviroment 
This discussion will address who the players are in urban development? How can their thinking be effected, channeled? What legislation and funding mechanisms are available? Appropriate? Necessary? In the academic world, where can thinking and teaching on these issues best be reposed? 

Craig Rosebraugh Founder and Director of the Liberation Collective 

Pets in the Urban Environment 
This panel will address changing attitudes and laws involving the ever-increasing companion animal populations in our cities. Panelists will discuss municipal spay-neuter laws, controlling feral animal population, the felony anti-cruelty statute in Oregon and advocacy for animals in the court system. 

Kim Sturla Fund for Animals 
Sharon Harmon Oregon Humane Society 

Human use of Wildlife 
What are the ethical concerns of recreational and economic use of wildlife? What effects does human use of wildlife have on the animals and the environment? Is there a place for captive wildlife and what roles should these facilities play in our communities? 

Angel Gambino Fund for Animals 
Shauna Whidden  Oregon Trout 

Dinner Reception Speakers 
Ann Martin  Expert consultant on pet food and author Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food 
Dr. Michael Fox  Veterinarian, vice president of The Humane Society of United States, and authorThe Bioethics of Food