About Us
Julie Palais (USA)
Julie retired from the National Science Foundation (NSF) at the end of 2016 and began her “Encore Career” in animal welfare. She has a Post-Graduate Certificate in International Animal Welfare Ethics and Law (IAWEL) from the University of Edinburgh and a Master of Science (MS) in Anthrozoology from Canisius University. Julie was among the first cohort of students to complete the Master of Studies in Animal Law (MSL) Program in the Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) and graduated with honors. Julie has developed an initiative to bring the field of animal law into Nepalese law schools called SAVE Nepal (SAVE stands for Save Animals and Value the Environment). Her work in Nepal focuses on free-roaming dogs, human-animal conflict, working animal and farmed animal welfare Julie was also selected as one of the 2024-2025 CALS GAP program ambassadors.
Varnika Singh (India)
Varnika Singh is a distinguished lawyer and advocate specializing in animal law, with over a decade of experience in litigation, legal advocacy, and policy work. She currently serves as the Head Legal Consultant at the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO). Varnika has been instrumental in leading landmark animal protection cases in the Supreme Court of India and various High Courts. Notable among these are her advocacy in the Community/street dog case and the Jallikattu Ban, alongside her efforts to combat dog fighting and the use of animals in circuses. Her work extends beyond the courtroom to include suggesting and drafting key amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Wildlife Protection Act.Varnika was also selected as one of the 2024-2025 CALS GAP program ambassadors.
Julie and Varnika's work in Nepal
CALS 2024-2025 Global Ambassadors
As Global Ambassadors from the Center for Animal Law Studies (Lewis and Clark Law School), Julie and Varnika’s collaborative project aims to train the next generation of Nepalese law students in the field of animal law, a discipline that does not currently exist in Nepalese law schools. In addition to developing an introductory animal law course and a more in-depth course that explores existing animal laws in Nepal,
Introducing Animal Law to Nepalese Law Schools
The field of animal law is not currently being taught in Nepal law schools, which sparked an idea: Julie started an initiative called SAVE Nepal. SAVE is an acronym for Save Animals and Value the Environment (SAVE). The goal of the initiative is to improve protections for animals and the environment, and to train the next generation of lawyers in the field of animal law.
Developing the Field of Animal Law in Nepal
Developing the Field of Animal Law in Nepal
CALS Ambassadors, Varnika Singh (Animal Law LLM, ’23) and Julie Palais (Animal Law MSL, ’23), worked with several law students from Kathmandu University School of Law and introduced them to the field of animal law. They also explained the difference between animal welfare and animal rights. The students wrote research papers on animal law and published their work in local newspapers.