Shared by Thompson G. Page, American lawyer and general counsel to The Center for Animal Litigation, Inc.

Participating as a judge in the 2022 Cecilia Moot was a pure delight, and for many who revere the profession, an honor and welcomed professional obligation, to assist and guide future colleagues in their preparation for the law. I only hope my experience from a foreign jurisdiction (US), with its own ever-evolving but often similar body of law concerning allegedly dangerous dogs, added something for the competitors.  

The participants performed beyond their experience; they possessed a great grasp of what they needed to do with their organized plans; they delivered effective and cogent arguments; and the finalists responded well to questions put to them – all characteristics of a capable advocate before the court. As a result, we “judges” spent a great deal of time deliberating the winning team and overall winner!  

The preparation of these students and the efforts of the UK Centre for Animal Law are an inspiration for our work on behalf of companion animals on this side of the pond as well. I am proud to have assisted them, in my own small way, to further the goal that these creatures deserve the protection of their fundamental rights under the law, wherever that may be, and especially their right to life and a peaceful existence.  All the best for now. 

Huge thanks to Thompson G. Page for supporting our animal law moot. We are thrilled to see him share his experience with colleagues in the USA. Read more about Thompson’s experience here.