R. Alan Cleveland, LLC Lawyer, Animal Law Expert Explains Veterinarians’ Crime Fighting Role
Claudine Wilkins, an attorney with R. Alan Cleveland, LLC in Athens, GA, is advising veterinarians across Georgia that they are on the front lines when it comes to crimes involving animals and, in some cases, crimes against the pet owners such as domestic violence.
Claudine wrote the cover article for the Summer 2021 issue of The Georgia Veterinarian, the quarterly publication of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA). She is an author and frequent speaker in Georgia and across the country about animal abuse and related laws. She has helped write animal-related legislation in Georgia and routinely trains professionals on criminal and civil liability and dog bite prevention.
“Sharing the same mission as most veterinarians, I am determined to inspire the next generation to be responsible pet owners and animal protectors as well as strengthen the bond between humans and animals, make good laws, and provide education for professionals and the public,” she writes in the magazine.
“Animal crimes come in all forms, and veterinarians are often the first ones to break a case on animal abuse, animal hoarding, puppy mills, dog fighting, sex abuse against animals, and domestic violence.”
Claudine used her experience as a former veterinarian’s assistant to explain that when a veterinarian finds evidence that a pet has been abused, it is often the case that the pet comes from a home where domestic violence is occurring.
In short anecdotes, the article also explores:
- The connection between pet abuse and prescription drug abuse
- Dark web depictions of bestiality and its connection to child porn and human trafficking
- How veterinarians are helping to close down puppy mills prevalent in Georgia
- How courtroom testimony by veterinarians has led to justice as well as stopped miscarriages of justice.
“We all benefit from having veterinarians to care for our beloved furry family members and to educate us on how to care and protect them,” Claudine writes. “Exploring outside of your daily grind, you will see there is much to know, such as other specialties you can part take in as a veterinarian, vet forensics, how to participate in animal cases, understanding federal, state, and local laws pertaining to animals, running a successful vet business, knowing your rights if someone dumps an animal at your clinic, how to protect yourself from lawsuits, how to report animal abuse or domestic violence and much more.”
As a personal injury attorney with R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, Claudine speaks up for injured people and families who need a strong and caring advocate. She is a former prosecutor in Cobb County, GA, who opened her own civil law firm in Athens in 2000. In 2004, she represented the families of three teenagers who died in a wreck with an intoxicated 20-year-old. A jury awarded a $40 million verdict in favor of her clients in a landmark liquor liability case.
About the GVMA
The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association advances the veterinary medical profession and supports the veterinarian’s role in improving animal and public health. The Georgia Veterinarian is published quarterly by the GVMA in January, April, July, and October. It reaches more than 3,000 veterinarians, technicians, students, and industry leaders throughout Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation. The publication is free to all GVMA members and available online.
An Athens resident Alan Cleveland grew up in Rockdale County. As a founding partner of the personal injury law firm of R. Alan Cleveland, LLC he proudly serves his community and provides skilled representation to injury victims and their families all around Georgia. Alan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and went on to graduate, summa cum laude, from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. He is also a graduate of Gerry Spence’s renowned Trial Lawyers College (TLC) in Wyoming. In his free time, Alan frequently speaks at continuing legal education seminars. He also volunteered as a youth baseball coach and assists with Georgia’s high school moot court competition held annually. Alan serves as a Trustee of Historic Athens and is a member of the Development Authority of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County.
