Thursday, November 5, 2015

Understanding Equine Law In Dedham, MA

By Mattie Knight


The law profession gives separate and different treatment to horses. The branch of law that handles all matters relating to horses is referred to as equine law. In Dedham, MA, there is no specific or strict definition given to the branch other than serving as an umbrella term. The term relates to all horse-related businesses, industries, and matters. The uniqueness of horses to serve as vehicles, livestock property, personal property, and/or athletes makes them worthy of the separate consideration.

The uniqueness of these animals calls for a special lawyers to deal with ensuing issues. Example of issues covered include horse related activities and industries, businesses, facilities, and organizations among others. The lawyers who deal with kind of issues are referred to as equine attorneys and they have special skills and a wide body of knowledge than general attorneys. For that matter, it is always advisable not to hire a general attorney when faced with such matters, but to seek someone with experience in the field.

Attorneys in this field work closely with their clients to offer advice on how to best organize and conduct business to remain safe from possible lawsuits. The attorney prepares and reviews equine-related contracts such as purchases, sales, and transfer agreements. They deal with litigation and disputes that result from injuries, transactions and contracts. Additionally, they handle animal rights issues, gaming, breeding and training laws, and tax and immigration matters among others.

The great amount of knowledge controlled by equine lawyers makes them the best for one to hire when in need of representation in related matters. Besides understanding the general law, they also have experience, skills, and knowledge in issues related to the horse industry. General lawyers would have to conduct research first to learn terminology and aspects involved before making a case. Therefore, specialists help one save on time and money.

Many people wonder if attorneys in this field represent horses. The answer to that question is no, they do not. Instead, they represent clients and a client is anybody who is involved in the horse industry. Main examples of clients include grooms, stable owners, riders, farriers, coaches, veterinarians, and owners. Clients may also be in the form of business entities such as breeding farms, professional horse transportation companies, and racetracks

Laws are changed by courts in cases every day and that leads to a change in various industries. The changes lead to a difference in laws in different states. Matters legalized in other states may not be legal in others and vice versa. Either way, lawyers take it upon their shoulders to learn the new changes for them to serve clients in the best way possible. Lawyers in other fields may not learn the changes because they do not concern them. Only specialists do.

Many legal firms have divisions that specialize in handling matters related to equines. They assign a team of specialized attorneys to the division. However, the uniqueness of the field makes not all firms to have a specialty division. This somehow contributes to higher hourly charges charged for representation compared to other legal matters.

Other reasons for the higher charges are unique and tedious nature of the job. However, costs are regulated to remain within specific confines. One should compare various firms to find the best deal




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