Dates & Location
1997
Lewis & Clark Law School
Portland, Oregon
Highlights & Reflections
Law and Urban Planning: The Ethical Place for Animals explored how urban growth, land use, and public policy shape the lives of animals in cities and surrounding communities.
The conference examined urban wildlife conflicts, habitat preservation and development, animal activism in urban environments, and the evolving legal treatment of companion animals. Sessions also addressed the ethical implications of human use of wildlife, including recreation and captivity. The program concluded with a dinner reception featuring speakers on animal welfare, food systems, and bioethics.
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, infrastructure). The panelists will discuss animal control, urban planning, habitat encroachment and policy considerations for dealing with our wild neighbors.
Dr. John Hadidian Director, Humane Society of the United States
Kate Stenberg, Wildlife biologist and Program Manager, Urban Wildlife Program, King County, WA
Nancy Perry, Director, Humane Society of the United States
Brooks Fahy, Executive Director, Predator Defense Institute
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, Willamette Valley Livability Forum
Rick Bastasch, Wildlife biologist and Progran Manager, Urban Wildlife Program, King County, WA
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, 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 author, The Bioethics of Food