​This Thursday, as a follow-up to our screening of “The Champions” documentary, the Animal Law Society (ALS) will be hosting a video conference with Rebecca Huss, Professor Law at Valparaiso University and former Guardian/Special Master of the Michael Vick dog fighting dogs. Professor Huss was featured in the documentary and will speak to VLS about her unique role in the case, including topics such as: the conspiracy charge, the plea agreement, role of the different agencies involved (U.S. Attorney’s Office, USDA, shelters, media, citizens, etc.), evaluation of the dogs, interim care of the dogs, and specific stories on individual dogs. All are welcome to attend.

October 20^th (Thursday) – “The Role of the Guardian/Special Master in the Bad Newz Kennels Case”

Time & Location: 6:00pm in Oakes 208

Biography: “Rebecca Huss is one of the leading voices in the country on the laws regarding companion animals and service animals. Huss teaches courses at Valparaiso University Law School in business associations, mergers and acquisitions, animal law, and securities regulation. Huss is renowned for her service as guardian/special master handling the disposition of the dogs seized in the Michael Vick dog-fighting prosecution, which involved working intimately with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to provide for the humane disposition of the dogs. She also played an instrumental role in the drafting and ultimate adoption of ABA Resolution 108B, urging all federal, state, territorial and local legislative bodies and governmental agencies to enact laws and implement policies to ensure the humane treatment and disposition of seized animals in a timely manner. She has been the recipient of numerous awards for her work in animal law.”