Emerging Issues in Green Criminology: Exploring Power, Justice and Harm Edited by Reece Walters, Diane Solomon Westerhuis and Tanya Wyatt. Review by Paula Sparks ‘This edited collection brings together internationally renowned scholars to explore green criminology through the interdisciplinary lenses of power, harm and justice.’[1] A book you might expect to find on the shelves of environmental campaigners, but this collection of essays should not be overlooked by those interested in animals and society. In particular, a substantial part of […]
On February 12, 2020, a seminar on Animals and Wildlife Law was held by the UK Centre for Animal Law at the University of Dundee. The seminar was attended by a wide-ranging audience, including members of the legal profession, academics, students, and those working in the charity sector, for animal sanctuaries and criminal justice agencies. Various speakers discussed the practical, legal, and philosophical issues involved in animal welfare and wildlife protection in Scotland and the rest of the UK. The […]
As law students, we spend more time studying than experiencing the actual law-making process. Since we all have a strong interest in animal welfare and related studies at the University of Aberdeen, we excitedly welcomed the opportunity to work alongside Mike Radford on a joint submission for the public consultation on the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill. While the intention behind the bill – to increase the maximum penalties for welfare offences – is commendable, we […]
By Julia Lee Heaving and wheezing, panting and collapsing, brachycephalic dogs struggle to breathe and survive due to severe morphological abnormalities, including the recognised characteristics of short-face and airway obstruction. Brachycephalic dogs includes pugs, bulldogs, boxers, and Staffordshire terriers. Witnessing their health struggles is distressing from any perspective, but for a veterinarian it’s even more frustrating to treat these conditions when they are predictable, resulting from selective breeding. Breeding these traits results in severe welfare problems, which to many vets […]
by Sharan Chohan A recent case has garnered a great deal of media coverage for recognising ‘ethical veganism’ as protected under the law. An Employment Tribunal recognised ethical veganism as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, which makes it illegal for somebody to be discriminated against because of protected characteristics including religion or belief, race, sex, age, and disability. Mr Jordi Casamitjana was formerly employed by the League Against Cruel Sports, a charity that campaigns against blood sports. […]
Review by Julie Elizabeth Boyd The book Survival or Extinction? is dedicated to an animal named Sudan: “For Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, who, unlike so many other rhinos, was fortunate enough to pass away peacefully, in the company of loving friends and carers.” Many of us mourned Sudan when he passed away in 2018, as he was the last of his kind. With this dedication, the author reminds us that the battle to save endangered has only […]
One of the most important animal law matters to be heard in a British Columbia courtroom may soon reach the Supreme Court of Canada. Appellant Susan Santics and her dog, Punky, have been literally fighting for Punky’s life in the groundbreaking, high profile case Santics v. Vancouver (City) Animal Control Officer. The case concerns Punky, a young Australian cattle dog who has been labelled “dangerous”. Punky’s legal team, of which I am part, recently filed leave to appeal to Canada’s highest […]
In the USA, the Endangered Species Act 1973 was passed with bipartisan support under Richard Nixon. The Act expanded greatly upon its predecessors: the Endangered Species Preservation Act 1966, which permitted listing native U.S. animal species that needed protection as ‘endangered’ and granting limited protections; and the 1969 Amendment, which expanded protections by banning important and sale of certain species in danger of worldwide extinction. As established in the comprehensive, completely rewritten 1973 Act Act, individuals and organisations may petition […]
An inspiring book and useful guide to anyone following discussions about legal recognition of sentient animals in the United Kingdom post Brexit (when Article 13, Treaty of Functioning of the European Union will no longer apply). The book outlines the progressive attitude in Switzerland to the legislative and constitutional protection of animals. Unlike the UK, the legislature in Switzerland is not only empowered to bring in laws protecting animals, a constitutional amendment obliges it to do so. Another significant and […]
The first ever Canadian Animal Law Conference was hosted by the Schulich School of Law and Animal Justice in Halifax on October 4-6. Three A-law members attended and presented at the conference: Edie Bowles, Danielle Duffield, and me. To open the event, the highly esteemed philosopher – and according to some, the father of the modern animal rights movement – Professor Peter Singer gave the keynote speech. From a utilitarian perspective, Singer stated that the most pressing issue facing the […]