ANIMAL LAW PRACTICE GROUP MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 5, 5:30–7 P.M. (ZOOM)
Sponsored by the MBA’s Civil Litigation Section Animal Law Practice Group
RSVP: www.MassBar.org/Events
In January, in Clinton v. Town of Ashby Zoning Board of Appeals, a Middlesex Superior Court judge ruled that Clinton’s significant dog breeding operation could be considered an agricultural purpose under Ch. 40, sec 3, and therefore, the town must allow the operation. The judge based his decision on the statutory definitions of “farming” and “agriculture” and concluded that dogs are considered livestock.
Hear from attorney Lauren Sparks, who represented the neighbor intervenors in the case, to learn about the decision. Sparks is an associate in Mirick O’Connell’s Litigation Group. She focuses her practice on litigation involving the defense of medical malpractice claims; life, health and disability insurance benefits; and ERISA cases. She also represents companies and individuals offering general advice and counseling, and in litigation before federal and state courts and agencies. Sparks has successfully argued before the Appeals Court on First Amendment issues, and has tried numerous cases to verdict in both the district and superior courts. Prior to joining Mirick O’Connell, Sparks was an assistant district attorney for the Worcester District Attorney’s Office. She also previously served as a law clerk for Hon. Robert E. Beach at the Connecticut Appellate Court, a law clerk for the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., and as an intern for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C. Sparks has been awarded the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Advocacy Award for her legal advocacy skills.
Kara Holmquist will give details about legislation that has been filed in the state Legislature for the 2021–22
session to clarify that dogs are not livestock as a result of this decision.