November 01, 2018

International Animal Law Program Visits China

The Center for Animal Law Studies presented to law students and faculty at China University of Geosciences and China University of Law and Political Science.

The Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) was invited to present to law students and faculty at China University of Geosciences and China University of Law and Political Science. The two events were co-sponsored and organized with the assistance of Humane Society International (HSI). During the talks, associate dean Pamela Frasch discussed ways in which other areas of the law can be utilized to protect animals and Natasha Dolezal, director of international animal law, shared information on the scholarship opportunities available to Chinese law students interested in earning Lewis & Clark Law School’s LLM in animal law. The presentations were attended by a total of over 100 students, professors, and activists, and each was followed by a lively question and answer session.

Following the two days of events, Natasha and Pamela spent the day visiting a Beijing animal rescue, Together for Animals in China, alongside Jill Groves, the president of local Portland nonprofit, Golden Bond Rescue (GBR). Natasha had previously volunteered with GBR as a foster home for dogs rescued from the Chinese meat trade as well as speaking to their board and volunteers on animal law.  Pamela and her family also adopted their dog, Abby, from GBR many years ago. Natasha reached out to GBR to inquire if it would be helpful to the organization if following their presentations they could act as escorts for any dogs needing to be flown back to the United States for adoption. Typically, the volunteers of GBR pay for their own flights and expenses to travel to China to escort dogs back to the US who would otherwise be sold to the Chinese slaughterhouses. The process required a little bit more planning on return flights, but the result was that eight Golden Retrievers left the Beijing shelter and arrived in Seattle on Sunday, October 28th. These dogs were met at the airport by dedicated GBR volunteers and driven to Portland to be examined by veterinarians and placed into their foster homes until adoption.

CALS would like to thank Humane Society International, Golden Bond Rescue, and Together for Animals in China for their help in making this such a successful trip. Also, CALS thanks Professor Chang Jiwen from the State Council Research Institute of Economic Development for connecting with the two universities, Professor Meng Lei of China University of Geosciences, Professor Wang Canfa at the China University of Law and Politics, as well as Professor Song Wei of the University of Science and Technology of China and Paul Littlefair of RSPCA.