Animal Rights Day 2025: A Turning Point for Pet Law and the Next Generation
- Jeremy Cohen
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
I had the honor of speaking once again at the Massachusetts School of Law’s Animal Rights Day—a tradition I’ve proudly upheld for over a decade. But this year felt different.
This year, I wasn’t standing alone.
I was joined by Attorneys Sarah Mason and Ford Athmann, two passionate advocates who represent the future of Boston Dog Lawyers and the bright path ahead for pet law. Seeing them beside me—young, committed, and already fighting for justice—was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how much farther we can go.
From One Case to a Movement
When I first started Boston Dog Lawyers, it was just me, one case, and one dog—Jesse, a so-called "dangerous dog," and my family member, who deserved a second chance. We won that case, saved Jesse’s life and sparked a passion in me I didn’t know was missing.
Since then, our firm has grown to a team of seven attorneys, handling thousands of calls and expanding into multiple states. But our mission hasn’t changed: to stand up for pets and the people who love them.
Real Change in Real Time
Animal Rights Day gave me a chance to reflect on major milestones from the past year—many of which started with conversations just like the one I had with attendees this weekend.
Last year, we won a landmark pet custody case in Massachusetts Appeals Court. “Teddy Bear,” a little Pomeranian, now splits time between two former partners—a ruling that acknowledges the deep bond people share with their pets even after relationships end.
This victory laid the groundwork for our current legislative efforts: Senate Bill 1206 and House Bill 1817, which would give family court judges the authority to consider what’s in the best interest of a pet during divorces and separations. This legislation could change the idea that pets are simply property, creating a more compassionate framework for families in transition.
We’re also advocating for smarter, safer regulations at pet boarding facilities through Ollie’s Law—named for a client’s beloved dog who suffered a preventable attack on his first day at daycare. While Ollie didn’t survive, his legacy lives on. Thanks to this law, boarding facilities will soon be required to meet basic safety standards like fire escape plans and proper dog separation practices.
Learning Through Experience—and Emotion
One of the most powerful moments from Animal Rights Day was introducing Attorney Sarah Mason to the audience. Sarah’s journey into pet law began the same way mine did: through deep personal passion. After inviting me to speak at her law school, she reached out again after graduation—and just days after being sworn in, I had her in court representing a client. She was nervous, sure. But determined.
That’s what it takes. You can’t fake this kind of commitment. You have to live it. You have to know what it means to lose a pet, to fight for one, to protect one. And you have to be willing to work late nights and early mornings because someone, somewhere, needs your help.
Looking Ahead with Hope
The legal world still hesitates around the phrase “animal rights.” Some judges tense up, afraid we’re asking to rewrite the rules entirely. But we’re not trying to replace people’s rights—we’re expanding the idea of family to include the animals who already live in our hearts.
This isn’t radical. It’s reasonable. And it’s happening.
Thanks to events like Animal Rights Day, we’re not just spreading awareness—we’re building a pipeline of talented, compassionate legal professionals who believe in this work. Boston Dog Lawyers doesn’t have my name on it for a reason. It’s meant to outlive me and expand far beyond me. With Sarah, Ford, and our growing team, I know that future is in good hands.
We’re just getting started.
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