CALS – Latest Alert: Removing Barriers for Animal Shelters and Rescues / Sharks Need Our Help: The Grim Reality of International Shark Finning / Despite International Protections, Threats to Rays Persist

At the Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS), our incredible students, alumni, and professors are advocating for animals around the world. Below are inspiring updates about some of our recent impactful animal protection work. For a full list of the latest news and information, visit our News & Events page.

Removing Barriers for Animal Shelters and Rescues

Animal shelters and rescues are facing critical challenges. CALS Ambassador, Kimberly Backman (’24, LLM), shares her Global Ambassador Project founding a nonprofit to provide pro bono legal services for Illinois animal shelters and rescues.

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Sharks Need Our Help: The Grim Reality of International Shark Finning

Nearly 50 countries and territories and most international fisheries management organizations have implemented full or partial shark finning bans, but statistics indicate that finning is still on the rise. The Global Law Alliance for Animals and the Environment (GLA) monitors and participates in discussions in order to provide legal support to partner organizations and to the sharks themselves.

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LCALDF Student Chapter Champions Protection of Oregon’s Birds

JD student, Camille Bond (rising 3L), shares the Lewis & Clark Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Chapter’s public service project to help advocate for bird protection in Oregon.

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Despite International Protections, Threats to Rays Persist

Rays are among the most legislatively protected aquatic species in the world. Despite these protections, sharks and rays remain the second-most threatened vertebrate group on the planet. Emerging action in international law suggests that stronger protections for rays may be necessary.

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