Humane Society hires first full-time animal advocacy lawyer

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This article was published 18/08/2023 (812 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Krista Boryskavich, Manitoba’s only full-time animal advocacy lawyer, picked up the phone Friday morning, she was, fittingly, babysitting her friend’s dog, Dora.

On Thursday, the Winnipeg Humane Society announced Boryskavich’s hiring as the organization’s first animal advocacy lawyer.

“I know it sounds kind of corny to say it, but it is my absolute dream job,” Boryskavich said. “It’s work that allows me to combine my skills with my passion.”

Boryskavich has more than 15 years of experience in government relations and private law. She worked in high-level legal positions at the City of Winnipeg and as a senior associate with DD West LLP.

She was drawn to the field of animal advocacy after volunteering with rescues for several years. There, she witnessed first-hand the inhumane treatment of animals.

“Animals can’t speak for themselves to change that human behaviour and they need to have a voice advocating on their behalf,” she said. “I wanted to use my legal skills to provide that voice.”

Jessica Miller, CEO of the humane society, said Boryskavich will support the organization’s mission by providing legal analysis, advice and advocacy in the realm of animal welfare.

Board members on the humane society’s animal protection committee came up with the idea and began the recruitment process in May.

“We decided that it was time for someone in the Prairies to invest in animal welfare in a larger way than we have in the past by actually bringing on an in-house lawyer for the first time,” Miller said.

The role will primarily focus on lobbying for better animal protection legislation in Manitoba, which includes updating the Animal Care Act.

Given her background as a seasoned legal professional and animal welfare volunteer, Miller said appointing Boryskavich was an easy task.

“It was important that we had someone in this position that truly believed in what they do to the core,” Miller said. “Her values remain very consistent with ours at the humane society.”

Camille Labchuk, the executive director of Animal Justice, said there are fewer than a dozen full-time animal advocacy lawyers in Canada. However, in the last decade, more animal welfare organizations have sought legal help to bolster their causes.

“The law is one of the most powerful tools for protecting animals. It’s a reflection of society’s values,” Labchuk said. “I think there’s tremendous opportunity for the Winnipeg Humane Society to help further entrench those values into law.”

While the animal welfare department at the humane society is small, Miller believes an investment in legal support will allow the organization to help animals in a more holistic way.

“It’s helping us give a voice to animals beyond our shelter walls,” Miller said.

As a lifelong animal lover, Boryskavich comes into the role with deeply personal connections. A month ago, her dog, who she adopted from a rescue shelter, died. Now, she wants to ensure fewer animals are subjected to similar inhumane treatment.

“When I got her, she was five years old. She had shown signs that she had been abused in whatever previous life she had, but she had no voice,” Boryskavich said. “What I’m most excited about is the opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of those animals that can’t speak for themselves.”

cierra.bettens@freepress.mb.ca