We all do better when all creatures do better.  One of the benefits I have found with animal communication is the way it brings people and animals together, as well as bringing people and people together. While there are times when animal communication can and should stand by itself, there are times when it is beneficial to combine it with other professional fields where the people honor and respect animals.  It is when humans combine their unique and diverse talents that we can co-create a world with all creatures.

I am pleased to announce the collaboration of Talk2theAnimals with with the law firm of Mansfield, Tanick & Cohen, P.A. in Minneapolis and St. Paul.  One of their areas of practice is pet law and they will be contributing a monthly post educating us on what pet law is and the importance of it.  Marshall Tanick and Jeff O’Brien have co-authored the following post.

What is “Pet Law” and Why is it Important

The United States Constitution, the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of the United States of America, begins with “We the People.” What rights, then, if any, do animals have under the law? The answer is plenty.

Pet law is a legal discipline which deals with a wide variety of issues as they affect animals and pets. These issues cut across a broad spectrum of practice areas. For instance, pet owners often wish to make provisions for their pets within their estate plan. Some states allow for the creation of trusts for pets, and others (such as Minnesota) do not, which forces estate planning lawyers to think creatively as to how a client’s pets after their owner’s passing.

Pet issues affect real estate law as well. Whether it be the terms of a homeowners association’s covenants, or the provisions of a residential lease, how pets are treated and restrictions regarding pets can trigger significant legal battles. With regard to lease issues, disability law can come into play with service animals.

There are, of course, more obvious pet-related legal issues such as dog bite lawsuits, breed specific ordinances and zoning issues for breeders. Pets also get their fair share of attention in the legislative arena, with animal cruelty laws and the legal underpinnings of the no-kill animal shelter movement.

We’re honored that Janet has asked us to be guest bloggers on Talk2theAnimals on a monthly basis to highlight the various legal issues that affect our pets and other animals.

The authors are attorneys with the law firm of Mansfield, Tanick & Cohen, P.A. in Minneapolis and St. Paul. They can be reached at (612) 339-4295 or through their website

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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Tagged as: Animal Communication, Law firm of Mansfield Tanick & Cohen, Pet Law