The Practicum in Animal Welfare Skills (PAWS) is a clinic at the University of Georgia School of Law that assists local governments and animal control staff in improving animal welfare. It provides students with experience in ensuring companion animals are treated humanely and in compliance with local ordinances and state laws in the Athens community and Georgia more generally.
What We Do
PAWS Services
Assist Local Professionals
Local Animal Law Enforcement Personnel and Veterinary Professionals
Investigate Crimes Related to Companion Animals
Identify and investigate crimes and ordinance violations concerning companion animals
Work with Community Members
work with community members to come into compliance with the laws and assist in prosecuting offenses
Policy Review
Opportunity to undertake related policy work such as statutory drafting and analysis
UGA Law
Student Experience
The Practicum in Animal Welfare Skills provides students with experience in ensuring companion animals are treated humanely and in compliance with local ordinances and state laws in the greater Athens community.
Working under the supervision of Professor Lisa Milot, students will assist local animal law enforcement personnel and veterinary professionals to identify and investigate crimes and ordinance violations concerning companion animals, including ride-alongs with animal control officers and participating in witness interviews and arraignments. Students will work with community members to come into compliance with the laws and assist in prosecuting offenses. They may also have an opportunity to undertake related policy work such as statutory drafting and analysis.
The seminar portion of the practicum will provide students with a background in the laws, regulations, and procedures applicable to the practice area. Moreover, students will present their current cases during this time to allow for collaborative learning and problem-solving development.