Meet Bliss Foster, Animal Law Section Chair

SECTION SPOTLIGHT

Passionate About Animal Protection

We have a GREAT section, which was founded by Kelley Dwyer. We all care about the way laws impact animals, and we do quite a bit to help the animals in our state.”

AUSTIN BAR: Why did you want to be an attorney?

FOSTER: I wanted to be an attorney so I could make a difference in the world—especially for those who are extremely disadvantaged, people and animals. Also, when I was young, certain attorneys I met made a huge impression!

AUSTIN BAR: Why did you want to join this section and become the section chair?

FOSTER: We have a GREAT section, which was founded by Kelley Dwyer. Our members really care about the way laws impact animals, and we do quite a bit to help the animals in our state. Some of us are involved in legislative efforts. Some of us are involved in community outreach. Some of us are involved in the practice of animal law. Some of us are involved in all of it!

AUSTIN BAR: What area of law do you practice? What is most interesting about it to you?

FOSTER: I have worked and volunteered in many areas. I have been involved in volunteer legal services efforts, nonprofit program and development support, animal-welfare legislative efforts, newspaper and magazine writing, and general civil litigation (mostly pre-trial). I have testified at state legislative committee hearings, and at city and county hearings about ordinances and nonprofit program support efforts. This type of work interests me, since it can make a difference for those who may be disadvantaged in some way. Lives can definitely improve if there is a program or law in place. Results are not always measured in dollars and cents.

AUSTIN BAR: Briefly share your plans for the section this year.

FOSTER: Currently, we are in the planning stages of a CLE related to the Humane Cosmetics Act of 2021, legislation reintroduced in Congress in December of 2021. We may also have a CLE related to pets in estate plans. Another consideration is a CLE related to animal rescue organizations. Our section is also excited to have a representative from Austin Wildlife Rescue speak to us about what they do. Other plans might include a community outreach project around the holidays. It’s a lot of fun!

AUSTIN BAR: If you weren’t an attorney, what would you do for a career?

FOSTER: I would have been a marine biologist and deep-sea diver.

AUSTIN BAR: Tell us a fun fact and/or hobby we’d be surprised to know about you.

FOSTER: Years ago, I went on an observation boat to watch a dolphin release. This beautiful dolphin, Mille, had “stranded” on a beach. Prior to her release, I helped a volunteer team record Mille’s chuff and swimming patterns. Watching her reclaim her freedom in the ocean was a great blessing!

Foster took this photo at the release of a dolphin named Mille off of Galveston Island. The event was coordinated by Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

AUSTIN BAR: Tell us more about your passion for animal welfare.

FOSTER: I have helped mostly with legislation at the state level. I helped Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) improve the lives of animals through education, outreach, and lobbying related to bills affecting cruelty to non-livestock animals, dog fighting, and anti-gassing in animal shelters, among others. Also, when I lived in New Mexico, I volunteered to help Animal Protection Voters (APV) with lobbying for a bill that banned coyote-killing contests, which passed in 2019. Later, I helped APV with the early stages of education, outreach, and lobbying for a bill that restricted traps, snares, and poisons on public lands. The bill passed in 2021. I also helped Street Homeless Animal Project in New Mexico— including the research of grant opportunities for a billboard campaign related to the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars. I also helped them fundraise for veterinary expenses for the pets of the homeless. In both Texas and New Mexico, I have helped with community pet spay/neuter program efforts to assist people who would not otherwise be able to afford these surgeries for their pets. The joint impact of spay/ neuter efforts and animal rescue is so important, as it absolutely reduces the euthanasia numbers in our shelters and helps get animals into caring homes. That is really important to me.

AUSTIN BAR: Are you a cat person or a dog person?

FOSTER: Cat and dog! Koala and dolphin—all of them! AL

Marilee Bliss Foster is an attorney, animal welfare advocate, and volunteer for various nonprofit organizations. She has been involved with these efforts since 2005. She has also written for various publications about legal, animal-related, and general topics. She has served as a council member for the State Bar of Texas Animal Law Section and is the chair of the Austin Bar Animal Law Section.