Responding to the increased complexity of animal health and welfare issues affecting businesses, veterinary professionals, universities and nonprofit organizations, long-time political strategist and Tonkon Torp attorney Mark Cushing has formed the Animal Policy Group at Tonkon Torp, with offices in Portland, Oregon and Washington, D.C.
The unique public policy and advocacy practice offers strategic counsel and local, state and federal government relations services on matters ranging from pet and production animal issues to international accreditation of veterinary colleges.
Cushing has developed expertise and experience in animal-related matters over the past decade, working on behalf of clients including Banfield Pet Hospital, the world's largest veterinary practice, MARS Petcare, one of the world's largest pet food manufacturers, the American Humane Association, Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC and the National University of Mexico (UNAM ). He is a frequent speaker at animal policy conferences and an adjunct faculty member in animal law at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon.
The Animal Policy Group includes public affairs and communications senior advisors and specialists who work with clients to build strategic alliances across the political spectrum with potential allies in industry, legislative and regulatory bodies, nongovernmental and grass roots organizations.
"Too often, companies and trade associations approach animal policy challenges or opportunities in the silo of a narrow sector," said Cushing. "Animal policy is dynamic, crossing many sectors including nutrition, healthcare, animal welfare and public health. We engage and collaborate across sectors to create broader, more effective long-term outcomes for our clients."
"The challenge with animal policy is to operate strategically in government and non-government venues while maintaining strong relations within the industry. Mark has built his practice on just this blend of needs and skills," said John Payne, chief executive officer of Banfield Pet Hospital.
In addition to his work through the Animal Policy Group, Cushing chairs the Government Relations and Public Policy practice at Tonkon Torp LLP, a Pacific Northwest-based business and litigation law firm. An honors graduate of Stanford University, Cushing earned his law degree from Willamette University in Oregon.
About Tonkon Torp
Tonkon Torp LLP is a leading business and litigation law firm serving public companies, substantial private enterprises, entrepreneurial businesses and individuals throughout the Northwest. For more information, visit tonkon.com.
Contacts:
Tonkon Torp
Loree Devery, Director of Marketing, 503-802-2060
loree.devery@tonkon.com
or
Michael
M. Morgan, Managing Partner, 503-802-2007
mike.morgan@tonkon.com
