Attorney Vanessa Shakib is driving change in the field of animal law through fearless activism. Her work dedicated to protecting animals has been featured by news outlets like CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and more. Shakib is also the co-founder and co-director of the non-profit law firm Advancing Law for Animals. To learn more about Vanessa Shakib and her passion for animal advocacy, read on.

Where are you based?
I’m a valley girl. I live in Los Angeles and am licensed to practice law in California and Washington, D.C.

What started your journey in animal advocacy and law?
Funny enough, I grew up assuming I would practice law. It was like the default mode in my brain. Maybe because my dad always said, “with a mouth like that, you’re gonna be a lawyer.” I started off on a traditional legal career path, but always felt like I was swimming against the stream. My job was this thing I did to be responsible, but my passion was for animals. I’d spend my spare time at animal advocacy events and fundraisers – until eventually, it just clicked for me. I wanted to do the thing that lit me up, even if it didn’t make sense on paper, or pencil out to anyone else. I figured if I wanted to help animals, and was already an experienced lawyer, I should be an animal lawyer. So I exploded my normal life and started a nonprofit law firm for animals, Advancing Law for Animals.

Why is animal advocacy important to you?
We use animals in every part of life: fashion, food, science, entertainment, companionship, the list goes on. And yet, they’re considered things. Legally, they’re classified as property. But in our hearts, we all know they’re so much more. For example, we all know a kitten is different from a toaster. It’s time for the law to reflect that.

Can you explain to us what exactly animal law is? How do you work with your clients?
Animal law is shockingly broad, because animals permeate our daily lives. This means any area of law can become animal law. Let’s break it down. If you’re in estate planning, you may consider whether your clients have a plan for their companion animals when they die. If you’re in family law, you might be talking about pet custody in a divorce. If you’re in consumer protection, maybe you’ll look at the accuracy of marketing claims on products like eggs, or investigate a pet store selling sick animals. If you’re in personal injury, someone might call you about a dog bite. If you’re a civil rights lawyer, you might confront a business rejecting service animals, or a police officer who killed a pet. There is really no end to the list of legal issues that can pop up involving animals.

What kind of cases do you focus on and how do you choose which to take on?
My goal is to drive as much change as possible to help animals. So I focus on cases that knock out harmful business practices or government policies, or tell a powerful story that can educate the public about animal issues. I’ve sued laboratories, factory farms, local and federal governments over all kinds of problems, from the mistreatment of animals in science to lax oversight of puppy mills.

How are you leading the burgeoning field of animal law?
Beyond designing and litigating novel cases, my goal is to let everyone know animal law is a thing. That includes the press, the public, other lawyers, and law students. I help reporters understand the legal angle of animal-related stories, lawyers learn how they can broaden their practice, and animal lovers, taxpayers, and consumers understand their rights.

One of your clients, Cedar the goat, went viral in 2022. Can you tell us the story of this client and what it was like for you when the case went viral?
Cedar’s case made international headlines when sheriff's officers drove 500 miles to illegally take a little girl’s pet goat and deliver him to slaughter after she backed out of a 4-H youth livestock auction. You might never have heard of 4-H, but it’s a government kids club where children raise baby animals, fall in love with them like pets, and then auction them off for meat. In Cedar’s case, the family wanted out, and offered to pay the fair whatever money they wanted. But, after getting Cedar back from the cops, state fair employees killed him anyway. My clients alleged Cedar belonged to them, and the cops and state fair violated their constitutional rights by illegally seizing Cedar and slaughtering him without due process. We reached a $300,000 settlement with law enforcement, and are still in active litigation against the state fair employees and a 4-H volunteer. For me, the viral reaction is proof of what I know in my heart: that we are a country of animal lovers.

You are the co-founder and co-director of Advancing Law for Animals, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting non-human animals. Can you tell us more about your organization’s mission and what you do?
Our legal system treats animals as property, even though they’re individuals who feel pain. When animals are part of a company’s business model, their needs are often seen as an unwanted expense. We already have some laws on the books that can help animals, but animals need lawyers to take their case to court. That’s why Advancing Law for Animals creates novel pathways to enforce existing laws through innovative legal strategies.

Big farming is one of the most abusive environments for animals, but seems like such a huge opponent. Do you have thoughts on how best to tackle this?
It’s a huge problem impacting billions of animals per year around the world. The best thing you can do is reduce the number of animal products you’re eating on a regular basis, and donate to organizations committed to helping farmed animals. Just don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress. Every little bit counts, and, as my old coach would say, swim at a pace you can hold.

What kind of policies and change do you hope to see in the future regarding animal law?
Someone smarter than me once said laws are a reflection of what we as a society are willing to accept. The lives of animals will only improve if we as a collective continue to learn and understand the issues animals face, whether they’re in the wild, or bred for fashion, food, entertainment, and research.

What are some ways our readers can get involved in animal advocacy? What are some important organizations to support?
I am so blessed to represent clients doing truly incredible work. Make sure to check out Animal Equality on social media, who I represent in a case against Foster Farms regarding cruel and illegal business practices. Also check out the White Coat Waste Project, who I represent in a case against the NIH regarding lax oversight of foreign labs using our tax dollars to experiment on animals.

Being vegan is so important for animal advocacy. How do you pass on this message to people not already vegan?
I think it’s important to meet people where they are. Some will resonate with veganism, but everyone can make tweaks that help animals. Explore some new veggies and throw in a few plant-based recipes during the week. Get that leather jacket you want from the RealReal or Rent the Runway. Start small, just start somewhere.

What advice do you have for young individuals wanting to pursue a career in animal law?
Animal law is a small field, in part because the legal community is still learning about it, so it’s relatively easy to get to know the lawyers in the space. A great place to start is the annual Animal Law Conference, and check with your law school if it will kick in any funding toward your travel. Do some research on the speakers, and go say hello or shoot an email. It’s a community that really cares. Also sign up for the Brooks Institute Animal Law Digest for regular case and legislative updates. It will help you understand what kinds of cases are out there, and who is doing what.

Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
Because my legal briefing is less accessible and, let’s be honest, not so fun to read, I’ve started a social media series focused on animals and the law. You can expect all things news and commentary on our furry friends, including is-that-legal? explainers on the latest animal issues, case breakdowns, and myth-busters. I’m building it now and testing what works, so I’d love for you to join me on Instagram and TikTok. I’ve learned first hand telling people what I do just how many of us love animals, and this has been a fun way to make my expertise more approachable.

It has been a crazy few years, and we expect at least three more. How have you been staying positive?
I deal with animal abuse all day, so I’ve become a pro at coping through humor. If I can laugh or cry, I’m gonna laugh. I’ve also, over time, picked up on what works for me. I check off the things that give me joy: a nice hike, a good coffee, an afternoon journal sesh, catching up with friends, a cute outfit. All those things need regular air time.

What is your motto in life?
I always say my tombstone will read, “Can’t say she didn’t try.” I’m okay with however the cookie crumbles as long as I know I gave it my all.

To learn more about Vanessa Shakib, please check out the links below:
Advancing Animals for Law
Website
Instagram: @vanessashakib
Instagram: @advancinglawforanimals

Vanessa Shakib: Advancing Animal Advocacy