The Animals Lost One of the Good Ones –
After 40 years practicing law as a transactional and civil litigator, Norma Ann Dawson found new passion for the law in 2019 when confronted with the imminent execution of two dogs in the City of Los Angeles on death row for biting a trespasser on their property. Despite having never been involved in an animal matter, Norma was moved to appeal this decision to the California Appellate Court. After somehow finding and convincing me to join her efforts, our camaraderie and friendship blossomed instantly. We spent the next several months pouring over the trial record, researching theories for the appeal and drafting various pleadings with our law clerks. Her keen knowledge of legal procedure in California was met with my desire to advance that these dogs bit because they were provoked, and most likely did so out of fear and their instinctual reaction to defend their home. Our numerous late night calls (3 hour time difference) were always invigorating, insightful and often harrowing, as we navigated under tight timeframes. Our valiant efforts before the appeals court were met with a brutal indifference I unfortunately had experienced too many times in our legal fights for animals. To my gleeful surprise however, Norma’s bewilderment energized a desire in her to continue this work. She eagerly joined The Center For Animal Litigation’s network of attorneys willing to take on cases, focusing in the greater Los Angeles area. For the next several years, Norma and I poured over various legal theories and strategies for each matter she relentlessly took on, mostly against municipalities hell bent on desecrating the rights these animals so deserved. I was honored to learn from her vast legal knowledge and overjoyed by her infectious desire to make a difference with us. Last week, Norma’s twin sister called to inform me the animals lost one of their warriors, who beautifully blended her heart and knowledge of the law with an obligation to help those less fortunate than her. Fighting to defend the rights of animals is often fraught with frustration, incredulousness and an eerie isolation, but I did not see this one coming. I will forever cherish our times together. – Thom Page
