Animal Law & Advocacy

I am a former Chairwoman of the Animal Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association, animal protection advocate and thought-leader with over 15 years of experience leading legal and policy efforts to change laws and regulations to improve animal welfare and support industries seeking to remove animals from the supply chain, including providing legal and strategic guidance to organizations, drafting and lobbying legislative positions, and public speaking and education.

Here is an overview of my work:

·     Researched, drafted and edited legislative positions and proposed legislation regarding a wide range of federal, state, and local laws and regulations impacting animal welfare, including legislation and policy concerning:

·       intensive confinement of farm animals;

·       preemption of state regulation of the slaughter and handling of downed farm animals;

·       environmental regulation of factory farms;

·       use of antibiotics in animal agriculture;

·       “ag gag”;

·       animal welfare standards in USDA organic animal products;

·       modernization of state animal cruelty laws;

·       regulation of pet stores and pet dealers;

·       USDA licensee inspection and renewal standards for dealers and exhibitors;

·       updating criminal law and family law to reflect the link between animal cruelty and family violence.

·     Lobbied proposed legislation with lawmakers and provided testimony at legislative hearings.

·     Developed and delivered training and educational programs for attorneys, social workers, other professionals, and the public.

·     Managed 40+ committee members, collaborated with other NYC Bar committees (environmental law, family law, etc.) to create joint programs and reports.

Talks on Law: Cruelty on the Farm - Food Safety and Animal Welfare featuring Christine

Talks on Law: Animal Cruelty and Domestic Abuse featuring Christine

LawLine: Linking Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence featuring Christine