Valparaiso University School of Law Professor Rebecca J. Huss will be given the Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award at the American Bar Association’s annual meeting in August.

The award is given annually by the Animal Law Committee of the ABA’s Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section. It recognizes exceptional work by a member of a bar association’s animal law committee who has advanced the humane treatment of animals.

In addition to teaching several courses at Valparaiso law school, including one on animal law, Huss worked as the court-appointed special master/guardian in the Michael Vick dog fighting prosecution. She is considered one of the leading voices in the country on laws regarding companion and service animals. Huss is a founding member of the TIPS Animal Law Committee, and served as co-chair of the Indiana State Bar Association’s special committee on Animal Law. She also served as chair of the American Association of Law Schools Animal Law Section.

Huss was also instrumental in the drafting and ultimate adoption of ABA Resolution 108B, urging all federal, state, territorial and local legislative bodies and governmental agencies to enact laws and implement policies to ensure the humane treatment and disposition of seized animals in a timely manner. The ABA House of Delegates approved the resolution in February 2011.

Huss will receive the award Aug. 6 in Toronto, where the ABA is holding its annual meeting.