The conference featured a special address from Animal Welfare Minister, Baroness Sue Hayman of Ullock.
Earlier this month, the University of Birmingham hosted the UK Animal Law Conference, the largest event of its kind in the country.
The conference was organised by two leading animal law groups, the UK Centre for Animal Law (A-LAW) and the Multispecies Collective, which is based at the University of Birmingham School of Law.
Over two days, more than 180 delegates, including over 70 speakers, from across the UK and around the world, gathered in Birmingham to explore the conference theme, The Future of Animal Law.
The event brought together leading academics, legal practitioners, policymakers, campaigners and students to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in the field.
Keynote speakers included writer, researcher and broadcaster, Melanie Challenger; independent animal rights scholar, Kim Stallwood; and, Kathy Hessler (pictured below), Assistant Dean for Animal Law and Director of the Animal Legal Education Initiative at George Washington University Law School.
In her keynote address, Melanie Challenger encouraged delegates to aspire to legal systems that recognise and support the agency of non-human animals. Kim Stallwood emphasised the importance of understanding the history of animal law in order to shape its future, while Kathy Hessler reminded attendees that many of the changes being discussed are already underway and that the future of animal law is being shaped today.
The conference programme reflected the breadth and diversity of the discipline of animal law, with presentations covering topics ranging from litigation, activism, legal education, and artificial intelligence, to international perspectives from India, the Netherlands and beyond. Discussions also examined legal protections for a wide variety of species, from bees to rabbits.
On the second day of the conference, delegates heard a special address from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Biosecurity, Borders and Animals, Baroness Sue Hayman of Ullock (pictured right).
The Minister outlined the UK Government’s current priorities for animal welfare and highlighted the ambitions set out in its Animal Welfare Strategy for England, which includes commitments to ban trail hunting with dogs, phase out the use of CO2 gas stunning for pigs and consult the public on regulating animal rehoming organisations.
The conference provided a unique forum for collaboration and debate, helping to shape conversations about the future of animal protection in the UK and internationally. It was generously supported by GREY2KUSA Worldwide, 42BR Barristers, Richard Buxton Solicitors, the Coller Animal Law Forum and the Center for Animal Law Studies.
Sonul Badiani-Hamment, Chair of the UK Centre for Animal Law (A-LAW), said, “Animal law is increasingly shaping some of the most important conversations of our time, from food systems and biodiversity to ethics, justice and the responsibilities we owe to other living animals. The conference brought together an extraordinary range of expertise and perspectives, reflecting both the growing influence of the field and a shared determination to ensure that animals receive greater protection and consideration through law. As animal law continues to evolve, A-LAW is proud to support the collaboration, innovation and critical thinking needed to drive meaningful progress for animals.”
Dr Iyan Offor, Founding Leader of the Multispecies Collective and Assistant Professor in Environmental Law at the University of Birmingham, said “I have never felt more hopeful for the future of animal law than I do following this year’s conference. Having attended one of the earliest iterations of this conference in 2019 as a speaker, and having taken on the lead organising role for the conference in 2024, I am very encouraged to see the breadth and depth of expertise, creativity and enthusiasm within this movement growing year on year. I am inspired by and indebted to the talented lawyers, NGO representatives, academics, students and many others who share their knowledge and build important cross-sector connections at the conference.”
Professor Rilka Dragneva-Lewers, Dean of Birmingham Law School and Professor of International Legal Studies, said, “’It was a privilege to host the UK’s largest Animal Law Conference at Birmingham Law School. The event embodies our commitment to research excellence and civic engagement, creating a platform for transformative thinking at the intersection of society, nature and justice, and helping to shape future legal and policy directions in animal protection.”
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Iyan Offor
Assistant Professor in Environmental Law, University of Birmingham
About the UK Centre for Animal Law (A-LAW): The UK Centre for Animal Law (A-LAW) is a charity that brings together lawyers and other people interested in animal protection law to share experience and to harness expertise for the benefit of animals. The charity’s vision is a world where animal interests are fully protected by law. Visit alaw.org.uk.
About the Multispecies Collective: The Multispecies Collective is a collaborative group of researchers working together with practitioners, change-makers and future-oriented creatives to create knowledge, theory and practice for positive change toward futures of flourishing for animals, nature and society. Visit multispeciescollective.com.
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