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The American Kennel Club Announces the Third Annual Writing Contest for Law Students

  • 10/16/19

NEW YORK, NY – The American Kennel Club® (AKC), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the third annual Companion Animal Law Writing Contest.

The contest is open to all students currently enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school. The contest will offer a first-place prize of $2,500 and a second-place prize of $500.

Students are asked to choose between two topics: bond-for-care and fraudulent service animal and emotional support animal claims. This year’s topics offer students the unique opportunity to discuss legal perspectives on issues currently in the news and at the forefront of animal law.

Entries will be judged by legal and public policy professionals with experience in laws impacting companion animals.

First place in 2017-2018 was awarded to Jennifer Jacobs, a second-year student at Boston College of Law. Ms. Jacob’s paper, “Curtailing Companion Compensation,” explored the impact non-economic damages could have on pet welfare. Second place was awarded to Anastasia Maria Hall, a second-year student at Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law. Ms. Hall’s paper, “Whose Leash is it Anyway,” examined how pet custody and ownership is interpreted by the courts.

“Last year’s contestants offered an extremely competitive pool of in-depth analysis of animal law scenarios,” says Sheila Goffe, AKC vce president of Government Relations. “These students represent the future of animal law. We look forward to reading this year’s responses on these pressing issues facing our country and encourage those interested to submit their work.”

Contestants can enter now through November 30, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. EST. To learn more about the contest, including official rules and policies, please visit writeaboutanimallaw.com.

About the American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the U.S. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners, and promotes responsible dog ownership. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

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