by Dr. Joe Wills, Leicester University Introduction There is now growing awareness that the struggles for animal rights and human rights are interconnected. The industrial exploitation of animals in the farming sector and other settings is not only horrific for the animals themselves, but also has array of terrible consequences for humans. For example, the intensive exploitation of animals for food has been linked to the present COVID-19 global pandemic, environmental devastation, inhumane working conditions, and greater propensity for violence against humans, to give just a […]
By Tiffany Mitchell, A-law Legal Support Officer “Rodeos are events in which animals are subjected to violence and cruelty in the name of ‘sport,’”[1] states the New Zealand SPCA. Although the SPCA is advocating for a ban, rodeos are not yet banned in New Zealand. And while, in 2017, Labour’s animal welfare spokesperson Trevor Mallard had promised to ban the use of flank straps, electric prodders, and calf roping in New Zealand, the agricultural minister now says those issues are […]
by Debbie Lee, legal secretary and solicitor-in-training The next edition of the Journal of Animal Law will highlight a potentially ground-breaking case in the field of animal rights law. This recent case considered the legal rights of animals kept in captivity in the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad. Petitioners claimed that the animals in the Zoo were confined to poor living conditions and that their full needs were not being met. The animals notably included an elephant named Kaavan, who […]
By Angelica Botta, graduate of Anglia Ruskin University – LLB (Hons) Law Pets are undoubtedly important to many families: they provide companionship and emotional support; they reduce stress levels; they help children’s emotional development. More and more people consider pets as part of the family, and owning a pet helps networking and building a community. The loss of a pet can cause profound grief for the owner, and difficulty and confusion around how to bury pets can cause additional pain. […]
By Addison Luck, Earth Law Manager for the Earth Law Center In 2016, eight American organizations, including the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), challenged North Carolina’s controversial ‘ag-gag lawi’ as a major violation of free speech in the United States. The case was first dismissed by a district court and then reversed by an appellate court. But then in June 2020, after gaining support from several news organizations, the advocacy groups […]
By Denise Ho, student at Durham University Following the outbreak of Covid-19, regulations in China have attracted a great deal of attention. The main piece of legislation governing China’s use of its environment is called The Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Protection of Wildlife (1988). This act expressly states its aim of protecting species that are rare or near extinction, and it pledges to use natural resources rationally. Also, the act highlights a need for China […]
By Luke Steele, Masters student at the University of Bradford, Managing Director and Spokesperson of Ban Bloodsports on Yorkshire’s Moors At first glance, the Hen Harrier Recovery Plan (DEFRA, 2016) looks positive: a protection scheme for at-risk hen harriers that looks to give one of England’s rarest birds of prey a renewed foothold in the uplands. However, this brood management project may do more harm than good, even though Natural England, the government’s habitats regulator, has been clear that […]
Review by Erin Lanza, student at BPP University Gary Francione, the controversial legal scholar, author, and professor of animal rights, begins this book with a promise: ‘This book is about a revolution––a revolution of the heart’. A promoter of creative, nonviolent vegan education for more than 30 years, Francione argues for a stance on animal rights that invokes a necessary paradigm shift in human perception of nonhuman animals. In this 2015 book, co-written with Anna Charlton, his ideals and positions […]
by Sophie Lunn The Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber), formerly a native inhabitant of Britain, became locally extinct in the 16th century due to anthropogenic persecution and the classification of their species as vermin. Some studies show bounties placed on the head of the beaver well after this time, demonstrating perhaps a distaste towards the species. Since then, much scientific evidence has shown the necessary role the beaver plays in our ecosystem, showing them as ecosystem engineers for their great impact in natural flood management. […]
by Emma Hinds Like many other people in lockdown, I have turned to Netflix for solace. One of the shows dominating public conversation lately is Tiger King. With murder, mayhem, and madness, it’s the ultimate binge show, but alongside meme-worthy content it also provides a horrifying insight into the wild cats trade in America. As a UK citizen, I watched this show with my jaw on the floor, shouting out “This would never happen here!” At least, that was what […]