Animal Rights Mediation: Understanding that Animals Have Rights
Inherent in an understanding of the fundamental issues related to animal rights mediation is the realization that animals have certain rights. We definitely must take this into account during any mediation processes concerning animal rights and associated conflict resolution. The courts view animals as mere property, which takes away many of their rights. With the proper negotiation strategies both humans and animals can be considered in order to reach a satisfactory outcome.
Animals play a huge role on this planet and their importance must be recognized. 
When mediation is used instead of the legal system, a variety of successful solutions may be found that can be implemented easily. While there are a number of different animal disputes that may need to be negotiated, mediation has proven itself to be the best way to handle any of these types of conflicts.
Some of the most common disputes and rights issues that come up in regards to animals include:
- disputes with breed clubs
- contract problems between owners and handlers
- conflicts with trainers, groomers and veterinarians
- barking dogs
- family pet “custody” battles and much more.
There is Always a Solution Available
No matter what type of situation rears its head in terms of animals and humans, there is always a solution available that can be satisfactory to all. It’s just a matter of reaching out to professional mediators to find it.
It’s important to recognize that an animal does have rights. When this is not considered, the humans can also suffer as a result. Animals are living creatures and should be an important part of the negotiation process. The court system simply does not recognize their role on this planet and has reduced them to a possession only.
When you are working within the boundaries of a court you are bound by the decision made by the judge and there is no flexibility available to you. If the judge makes a decision that isn’t in your favor, both you and the animal may suffer. It’s never a good idea to leave an important decision to one figure in authority that does not place a high value on an animal.
Use Skilled Animal Rights Mediators for an Optimal Solution
When you turn to an animal rights mediator as your preferred alternative, you’ll have control over the final decision and will be able to make it based on a number of different factors. When you’re looking for the best outcome in these types of matters, mediation is always the wisest choice.
This is especially true when it comes to pets and the deep emotional bonds that can be formed with them. Meditation addresses concerns about the rights of an animal. It is also frequently the quickest, most cost-effective way to achieve the goals of everyone involved. You’ll be surprised to see just how easy and pain-free this type of negotiation process will be. Professional mediators help you see things from a brand-new perspective.
A Recent Important Case:
Concerned Citizens Can Now Legally Rescue Dogs from Hot Cars
“Good Samaritans” who see animals trapped in hot cars no longer have to ignore their conscience and walk on by. If citizens act “in good faith” to rescue animals by breaking into cars they are now protected by the “Right to Rescue Act”. While they must meet certain conditions, this law represents a victory for animal rights advocates.
Conditions/action to be taken include:
- check to ensure the car cannot be opened
- have observed that the animal is suffering harm or in immediate danger
- make sure to call law enforcement
- stay with the animal until first responders arrive and
- not use more force than necessary during the rescue of the animal.
Animals left in cars are no urban legend. Hundreds suffer and many die each year as a result of being left in hot vehicles. Many people don’t realize how quickly cars can heat up. This happens even when leaving their animal for a short period of time. On an 80-degree day, the inside of a parked car can heat up to 120 degrees within 10 minutes.
Because animals are often found after they’ve been suffering for a while, immediate action is often required. Now citizens can act without fear of criminal prosecution and liability for civil damages.
Contact us today for a consultation about any animal rights mediation issue. Our scientific approach to mediation helps successfully resolve what seem to be insurmountable problems.
Frequently Asked Questions / FAQS
What is animal rights mediation?
Animal rights mediation can be used when two or more parties have disagreements about the resolution of conflicts that affect the interests of wild, domestic, or farmed animals. Instead of law enforcement, animal control, or court processes, parties choose a mediator to resolve the one-time problem or a recurring issue.
What are the dynamics of mediation?
The conflict partners commit to a win-win, cooperative process in which each party feels heard, and that their stakeholder interest is respected.
Are attorneys involved?
Sometimes, parties will also hire consulting attorneys, who step back during the mediation process. In many cases, no representing or litigating attorneys are involved, which creates a less adversarial mediation process.
Does the mediation team do any research?
Animal rights mediation can involve complex legal, social, and land use issues, so good mediation involves extensive research and preparation.
How do the meetings take place?
Mediation meetings can occur through online, Internet services such as Zoom, Skype, Go to Meeting for convenience.
Does animal rights mediation address legal issues?
Yes. Animal rights mediation takes the law into account, as well as the parties’ needs and preferences. The law is addressed in an amicable way so the parties can decide instead of a judge.
Is animal rights mediation legally binding?
The mediation itself is not legally binding until the parties have a signed, written contract.
What happens if mediation does not work in animal rights disagreements?
The parties always have the option to hire legal counsel if they cannot work out their conflict in mediation.
Does mediation work?
If two or more parties are committed to working out a resolution; if they understand and appreciate the other party’s interests; and if they are willing to seek new creative options they might not have considered before, mediation is often the best type of conflict resolution design.
Is mediation expensive?
Mediation is often much less expensive than litigation because there are no lawyers and judge involved. There are no court hearings, no court calendar, which can lead to a much more streamlined, efficient process.