Animal Law in Oklahoma

Animal Law in Oklahoma

Join OBA's Animal Law Section at the Oklahoma City Zoo's Pachyderm Building for an engaging 2-hour program focusing on the practice of animal law in Oklahoma. Participants will learn the history of the Migratory Bird Act, its current status, and the law's role in Oklahoma today. The ethics portion features a moderated panel discussion examining professional responsibility issues that arise in legal matters involving animals. Through practical examples and real-world experiences, the panelists will discuss ethical considerations that may arise in cases such as disputes over pet ownership in domestic proceedings, representation of animal shelters or nonprofit organizations, dog bite litigation, law enforcement encounters involving animals, and protective order matters where animals are implicated. 

After the program concludes, attendees and their guests are invited enjoy a day at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Due to limited space, only attorneys are permitted to attend the CLE. Attendees' guests are welcome to explore the Zoo during the program. Attorney registrants will receive a $20 food voucher which can be used anywhere in the Zoo. 

*Animal Law Section members use coupon code ALS2026 at checkout for discounted registration*

Schedule: 

10:00 AM - 'Tails' From the Courtroom: Ethical Issues in Cases Involving Animals

- Judge Sara Bondurant, Special Judge, Oklahoma County District Court
- Melissa Gardner, Attorney, Ball Morse Low
- Heather Hintz, Attorney, Phillips Murrah
- Gary Maxey, Attorney, Maxey Law; Ret. Judge & Former Oklahoma State Representative

10:50 AM - BREAK

11:00 AM - A Bird's Eye View of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

- Dr. Jennifer D'Agostino, Chief Animal Programs Officer, Oklahoma City Zoo 
- Inger Guiffrida, Executive Director, WildCare
- Annette Howlett, Attorney, Oklahoma Attorney General's Office
- Charis Ward, Attorney, Chairperson OBA Animal Law Section

11:50 AM - Adjourn

Disclaimer:  All views or opinions expressed by any presenter during the course of this CLE is that of the presenter alone and not an opinion of the Oklahoma Bar Association, the employers, or affiliates of the presenters unless specifically stated. Additionally, any materials, including the legal research, are the product of the individual contributor, not the Oklahoma Bar Association. The Oklahoma Bar Association makes no warranty, express or implied, relating to the accuracy or content of these materials.