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Stonepounder

(4,033 posts)
Tue Aug 29, 2017, 04:44 PM Aug 2017

In A First, Connecticut's Animals Get Advocates In The Courtroom

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/06/02/531283235/in-a-first-connecticuts-animals-get-advocates-in-the-courtroom

A Connecticut law makes it the first state to provide animals with court-appointed advocates to represent them in abuse and cruelty cases, similar to laws that provide for victim's or children's advocates.

Seven lawyers and a law professor in the state are approved as volunteer advocates, the AP reports. Judges have discretion on whether to appoint an advocate; defense attorneys and prosecutors may request them.

This week University of Connecticut student Taylor Hansen was the first of the advocates to testify in court, in a dogfighting case, alongside the approved law professor, Jessica Rubin.
....
"The animal advocates are an official party to the case," the AP explains. "They can do investigative work prosecutors often don't have time for, such as interviewing veterinarians and other witnesses. They also make arguments, write briefs and make recommendations to the judge."


Another large step in the right direction. More at link.
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In A First, Connecticut's Animals Get Advocates In The Courtroom (Original Post) Stonepounder Aug 2017 OP
Amazing, wonderful, and about time. ciaobaby Aug 2017 #1
This should be in every state! procon Aug 2017 #2
I'll second that, "it's about time!" Duppers Aug 2017 #3

procon

(15,805 posts)
2. This should be in every state!
Tue Aug 29, 2017, 05:15 PM
Aug 2017

Just look at all the people carrying their pets who are being rescued after Harvey. People died in the wake of Katrina because they could nor bear to abandon their pets. These aren't just animals, they are nearly as important as our people family, and in many cases pets are the only family many folks have.

Change the law to keep up with the times.

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