Animal Law
Michelle takes fighting for the underdog literally. A lifelong animal lover and activist, she dedicates a portion of her time to pro bono animal law cases defending dogs, stopping wrongful euthanasia, and representing animal rescue groups in the San Antonio area. Her work focuses on the intersection of human rights and animal rights under the specific framework of Texas law.
Dangerous Dog Litigation
In Texas, animal control can designate dogs as “dangerous” based on inconsistently applied, often arbitrary criteria. Based on this classification, the dogs must live under oppressive restrictions that severely impinge on quality of life or can be ordered killed by the Court. Dangerous or Aggressive Dogs – City of San Antonio
After an incident involving a dog occurs in Texas, the dog is typically seized by ACS or surrendered by the owners. Often the owner is told that a 10-day quarantine is necessary, and then the dog will be returned to them. However, after the quarantine period, ACS then designates the dog as dangerous or determines that a serious bodily injury (“SBI”) has occurred.
If there is a dangerous dog designation, the owner has to file a notice of appeal in 15 days. This time period is absolutely critical because this will determine which court you end up in and whether your appeal has been properly filed. After an initial administrative hearing, the dog owner is legally entitled to a jury trial although City Attorneys may try to convince you that you’re not.
Michelle represents the owners of dogs who have been wrongly designated as dangerous and who face an uphill battle getting a fair day in court.
Some of her cases have been featured in the media here:
- Bexar County judge denies woman’s appeal to lift ‘dangerous dog’ ruling on 5 puppies
- San Antonio Attorney hopes dog seized twice gets trial before jury
- Buddy the dog wins a reprieve
Animal Rescue And Fostering
In San Antonio, Animal Care Services euthanizes hundreds of adoptable animals every month. Statistics & Reports – City of San Antonio
We have an enormous stray animal crisis and we don’t provide the support to families to help care for and keep their animals safe. Instead, our Animal Code is largely punitive. Michelle is an advocate for responsible policy changes that incentivize responsible pet ownership in our city.
Michelle also always has at least one or two foster dogs hanging out at the office, along with her own beloved canine family members. She supports and fosters for several local animal rescue groups including the Footbridge Foundation in her neighborhood in Downtown San Antonio. Donations to Footbridge can be made directly here: Footbridge Foundation Inc – Make A Difference! Footbridge Foundation Giving Campaign