Dr. Temple Grandin, the animal scientist both renowned and controversial for redesigning slaughterhouses using insights gained from her autism, will speak in Columbus next Tuesday. Hers will be the keynote speech in a fundraiser to benefit dog-protective measures in Ohio.

Grandin has bewitched audiences–and inspired a film starring Clare Danes–with the blunt way in which she describes her ideas about animals, autism, and the importance of supporting “all kinds of minds.”  Click below for a sample.

For this event, Grandin will discuss her understanding of the inner lives of non-human animals—including the dogs confined within Ohio’s intensive “puppy mill” breeding operations.

Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) will then talk to the audience about Ohio House Bill 570 (also known by supporters as McKenzie’s Law), which she has sponsored. The bill aims to improve the conditions in which Ohio’s dogs are raised and sold, by laying out minimum care standards for commercial dog breeders and banning the sale of dogs at auctions.

Temple Grandin will open the evening at 4:30pm, by signing copies of two widely-praised books, Animals in Translation and Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals.

Hosting the fundraiser are SK9 Scottish Terrier Rescue, a non-profit organization, and Ohio State University Buckeyes for Canines, a volunteer service group.

The event will take place at OSU’s Fawcett Center, at 2400 Olentangy River Rd. in Columbus. Tickets are $50 per person, payable at the door.  To buy tickets in advance via PayPal, write to info@zaronsdogforum.com.