Yesterday, I co-taught my torts class with leading authority Luna Turley, Professor of Animal Welfare (PAW). Professor Luna has spent her life working on animal liability questions and taught both my day and evening classes on the common law rules governing dogs and other animals.
Luna (a Goldendoodle) worked through such concepts as animus revertendi (“habit of return”) and other distinctions used to distinguish domesticated and wild animals. She also offered an erudite defense of the “one-free-bite rule” in the application of strict liability to dogs.
As in past years, Professor Luna’s lecture was met with glowing reviews — leaving her co-teacher growling with jealousy.
Ahhhh……humor: defined in part as a retreat from ordinary seriousness, a kind of ‘5 minute break’ for the mind and the body. A great article Professor — we all need this more often than we get it.
Does Luna have a middle name. If not, I might suggest ‘tic’—–
From the Billy Joel tune ”you may be right; I may be crazy; but it just might be a lunatic you’re lookin for —“
Sweet! These students will never forget the concepts ably illustrated by Luna.
Started to read what I thought was a serious article and then busted out laughing…..good way to start the morning
When I was in high school in Houston (Go Redskins!) in the early 1960’s, there was a nerdy, funny science teacher who began every new semester with the same little speech:
“We will be learning about rabies in this class….and if, during the semester, any of you happen to become exposed to it, please let me know because I have a list of people I’d like for you to bite”.
That KILLED in third period! LOL
Dear Professor – since you brought up the topic, I wish you could give your readers a few examples of your most noteworthy animal/owner cases – problems & penalties. Far too many people ignore the liabilities, and the trauma, hence your responses will be greatly appreciated.
Absolutely agree. I understand why Turley often dives into politics. It’s an animal of its own demanding attention. But I would also like to read a column or two about real animals and the law.
Very nice professor!
I have three rescues.
All my dogs have been rescues.
Our pets both dog and cat (I’m a cat man after all) have spent millennia trying to train us to be better humans.
Our late Sandy had no special breeding as a dog but was a charming diplomat. She came to us when a neighbor Farmer passed away. She won over all of our approximately 10 cats, who had never had a dog amongst them previously. They all slept together on a very large pillow in the garage. A daily event was my wife walking down our nearly half mile lane with Sandy and our cat Bummy, who walked back and forth and between Sandy’s legs. Eventually Sandy grew too old to take the whole walk and my wife would carry her home. Eventually Sandy’s light left us but we still miss her love and sweetness. They are truly a gift to us all.
GEB…..Animal House! 🙂
Aww. Bummy must be bummed.
Hebron mayor offers bounty for slaughtered dogs.
https://www.camera.org/article/crickets-no-barks-media-silent-on-hebron-mayors-bounty-for-murdered-dogs/
Michael, I saw this, but thanks for posting it for others. Absolutely disgusting piece of ****, this Hebron mayor. Does evil have a bottom?
My Sagan sleeps surrounded by all of his cats. Does that count as animal miscegenation?
What Breed does Luna Identify with.
Kill the fetuses, save the puppies.
Gee, Professor. Don’t you know that pitbulls just want to have fun? 😉