(Portland, Ore.)—Lewis & Clark Law School’s National Center for Animal Law is taking action for a more humane community by protecting animals and their owners. The center’s Animal Law Clinic will represent two Columbia County residents who recently filed a civil suit to recover damages for the death of their dog, Kalua. Allegedly shot by neighbor Theodore Slape, Kalua was not immediately killed by the gunshot wounds, but was left wounded until the next morning, when she was discovered paralyzed and suffering from extensive wounds resulting from wildlife attacks through the night.

Ryan and Misty Painter, along with their two young daughters, are devastated by the loss of their family pet, who broke her tether and escaped their yard. According to attorneys at the Animal Law Clinic, when the Painters discovered Kalua, her tether was attached to Slape’s fence.

“It is unclear why someone would shoot a dog who is tethered to a fence. Whether Kalua’s tether got caught in the fence, or whether someone tied it there is unknown. In either case, a tethered dog presents no immediate danger,” said Laura Ireland Moore, the Painters’ attorney at Animal Law Clinic.

The Painters encouraged the Columbia County District Attorneys office to pursue the appropriate animal abuse charges, but nine months later the office has not acted. The Painters are pursuing civil damages for the special value for their dog along with claims for loss of companionship and emotional distress.

“We hope that bringing this case will highlight the serious nature of animal abuse crimes,” says Misty Painter. “Kalua suffered so much that night and we have to do something for her. Without the DA acting, we are only left with the option to file a lawsuit to recognize our loss and her suffering.”

The National Center for Animal Law, based at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Ore., trains and supports animal law students in order to further the field of animal law and promote legal protections for animals.

The center encourages and develops practical trainings and resources recognizing that the present generation of students will become litigators, prosecutors and judges; executive directors, staff and board members of non-profit organizations; and lobbyists and legislators creating stronger legal protections for animals. Law students are the voice of the future for animals in the legal system, and the National Center for Animal Law strengthens this voice by fostering curriculum developments; hosting conferences, competitions and trainings; providing financial support for animal law students; and developing resources for students pursuing careers in, and involving animal law. The Animal Law Clinic provides legal services in animal protection cases.

Lewis & Clark Law School is located at 10015 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd. For more information, call 503-768-6849.