CANADA'S ANIMAL LAWYER™

Jennifer obtained her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto (1999) and her Juris Doctor from the University of Western Ontario (2002). She was called to the Bar in the Province of Ontario in 2003. Upon her admission to the Bar, Jennifer practised administrative law and corporate litigation.

In 2006, Jennifer was hired as the first ever General Counsel for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In 2008, she released the inaugural edition of the book, Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Annotated.

In 2008, Jennifer was hired by the Ontario (horse) Racing Commission as Litigation Counsel.

In 2012, her submissions to the Ontario Bar Association led to the creation of the province's first section dedicated exclusively to Animal Law; just the second of its kind in Canada. She acted as Chair from 2012-2014.

In 2016, Jennifer opened her own practice devoted exclusively to Animal Law. She handles a diverse array of files on behalf of clients across Canada (except for Quebec).

Jennifer has been a chair and panelist for various continuing legal education seminars, and a guest speaker and moderator at diverse animal-related sessions. She also appears on a podcast, teaches Animal Law and Advocacy, and is regularly quoted and featured as an Animal Law expert in mainstream media.

For the past 18 years, Jennifer has handled hundreds of animal cases before courts and tribunals across Canada.
Jennifer is in her 21st year of legal practice. She has developed strong expertise in administrative law and litigation arguing in front of various adjudicative tribunals and in courts across Canada. She is well-versed on municipal by-laws and regulations, provincial statutes, and federal laws related to domesticated animals, farm animals and wildlife.

She has handled a diverse array of client matters across the country (except for Quebec) pertaining to the following:

- animal adoptions;
- animal control;
- animal cruelty;
- animal rescue groups;
- animal shelters;
- border crossing disputes;
- breed specific legislation ('pit bull ban');
- by-laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to animals (advice and drafting);
- companion animal disputes
- condominium clauses;
- 'dangerous dog' and 'potentially dangerous dog' designations;
- dog bites;
- dog breeders;
- environmental stewardship;
- equine law and environmental contaminants;
- government overreach;
- pet clauses in wills;
- pet ownership disputes;
- plant-based businesses;
- product labelling
- product liability;
- regulation of horse racing;
- veterinary malpractice;
- wrongful death.
EXPERTISE image

Le Téléjournal Ontario, September 1, 2024

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Cruauté animale à Riverdale : la communauté inquiète (Animal cruelty in Riverdale: the community is concerned), CBC Canada, September 1, 2024

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Canada’s Animal Lawyer Jennifer Friedman talks about new rules to bring dogs to the U.S., Newstalk 1010, Jim Richards Showgram, June 14, 2024

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A push to rethink lifetime dangerous dog orders, CBC News Toronto, May 6, 2024

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Why some experts question if aggressive dogs should get lifetime 'criminal records', CBC News, May 6, 2024

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About 450 Dogs are in Toronto's Dangerous Dog Registry. With Severe Maulings in the News, What are the Solutions? Toronto Observer, April 27, 2024

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Fatal Edmonton dog attack sparks scrutiny of animal control bylaws, Global National, April 9, 2024

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11 Women Animal Lawyers Who Are Changing the Game in 2024, Animal Justice Blog, March 8, 2024

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Interview with Jennifer Friedman: Canada’s Animal Lawyer, Beyond the Briefcase Podcast, February 19, 2024

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Why Canadian advocates say fines for animal abandonment can be a deterrent, Global News, February 2, 2024

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'Shocking' drop in charges and orders from Ontario animal welfare investigations has advocates concerned, CBC News, November 28, 2023

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Does Toronto have a dog problem? With a rise in attacks — and tensions — some say the rules to keep everyone safe aren’t working, Toronto Star, September 2, 2023

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Jennifer has spoken on a variety of topics across Canada related to animal law including adjudication, animal cruelty provisions, cruelty investigations, equine law, prosecutions, statutory analysis, zoos and aquariums, and plant-based businesses/lifestyles.

She may be available as a speaker on request.

Please submit all requests to animal-lawyer@outlook.com.
BOOK image
In 2008, Jennifer authored the inaugural edition of Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Annotated. Her publication was purchased by academics, agencies, lawyers, and law schools across Canada and the United States. 

CANADA'S ANIMAL LAWYER™ 
OFFICE LOCATIONS:

Toronto, Ontario

Beaverton, Ontario

Telephone:  416-460-6962  
Email:  animal-lawyer@outlook.com



*PLEASE NOTE: All meetings will continue to be held electronically in 2024.