Rockford attorney Ginny Mikita was inspired to advocate for animals to have their own representation in legal proceedings after a case in Ottawa County where neglected animals could not be euthanized due to the farmer still owning them. A bill has been reintroduced in the House to allow attorneys and law students to act pro bono as advocates for animals in criminal animal abuse cases, with judges having the discretion to appoint volunteer advocates.

The legislation would allow volunteer advocates to attend hearings, coordinate expert testimony, make recommendations for the animal’s placement, and present a victim impact statement on behalf of animals. Law students enrolled in a clinical program could serve as volunteer advocates for credit, with training provided by the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Judges would have the final authority to approve or deny a request to appoint an advocate, with no opportunity to appeal.

Another legislative proposal is in the works to change sentencing guidelines to recommend harsher penalties for defendants in animal abuse cases. Currently, it is difficult for a defendant without a prior felony animal abuse conviction to be sentenced to jail under the existing guidelines. The animal advocacy bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee.