Model releases when the model is a mule...

[Louie Powell]

A complication here is that if the mule is working for the National Park Service, the fact that it is compensated from public funds means that it already be in the public domain. Therefore, you may not need a release.

On the other hand, raising the issue of a release then broaches the subject of whether your usage is commercial, in which case you will need a permit from the National Park Service for commercial photography in a park.

That in turn suggests that you may need a lawyer to sort out the complexities. But then it will be difficult to tell the difference between the lawyer and the mule.

[Barry Trabitz]

Lawyers---Mules, don't they all look alike?

[Vaughn]

I've had numerous dogs sign releases, but make sure they're over 18.

"Old goat shoots dog. Film at 11"

Vaughn

[Jim Rice]

Not that this is in any way relevant, but when my parents married my uncle named a mule "Bonnie" in her honor.

[cyrus]

you may be kidding but this has come up!

Mules have no property or privacy rights so no release is required to be signed, either by the mule owner or the mule itself - unless the particular mule is a trademark or famous brand.

Property releases are required when you're photographing ON someone else's property, not when you're taking photographs OF someone's property. If you're standing in public, no property release is required to photograph a pet. In the US, some building built after Dec 1990 may be protected but that doesn't apply to mules.

[Renato Tonelli]

Lawyers---Mules, don't they all look alike?

You stole my line - be prepared to hear from my mule.

[domenico Foschi]

Lawyers---Mules, don't they all look alike?

Mules have no ethics because they are incapable to have them, lawyers instead.........
Hmm......

[SAShruby]

Finally!!! there was a contribution. Pity, it was mule related. Someone has a very good experience with mules, and lawyers, but not with photography as well as using very good experience how to thread other people with lawyers threads!!!

We're getting just bettwer and better around here. LOL.

[Harold_4074]

Lawyers---Mules, don't they all look alike?

Which end of the mule are you thinking of?

[domenico Foschi]

John, you do NOT need a release.
This is really an example of our concept of ownership.
Do we really own a pet or any other kind of animal?

How can we have a voice if someone wants to publish a picture of our pet?
A pet and the "owner" are two separate entities.