Highlights & Reflections

The conference opened Friday with registration, film screenings, and panel discussions addressing factory farming, ocean conservation, legislative developments, animals in entertainment, sanctuary law, and undercover investigations. The evening concluded with a welcome reception at The Cleaners at the Ace Hotel, featuring remarks by Animal Legal Defense Fund leadership and opportunities for networking among attendees.

Saturday’s programming focused on international and comparative perspectives in animal law. Panels explored animal protection in Commonwealth countries, paradigm shifts in animal testing, the legal status of animals as persons or property, military and homeland security exemptions affecting wildlife, and advances in animal law across Asia. Additional sessions examined the legal and ethical implications of the Vick dogfighting case, debates within the movement regarding veganism, and the role of world religions in shaping attitudes toward animals. The day concluded with a banquet dinner and keynote remarks from leaders in animal law and legal education.

Sunday’s sessions emphasized professional development and movement building. The conference featured dedicated workshops for law students and practicing attorneys, focusing on litigation strategies, career pathways, and expanding animal law education and advocacy. These sessions reinforced the conference’s commitment to strengthening the global animal law community through collaboration, mentorship, and practical training.

One Earth: Globalism & Animal Law highlighted the shared responsibility to protect animals worldwide and underscored the importance of cross-cultural dialogue and international cooperation in advancing animal law.