Congrats to our 2023 Student Essay Competition Winners!
Join us in extending congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Annual Student Essay Competition. Daniel is our first-place winner for the 2023 competition, and you’ll be able to read his article in our next edition of the UK Journal of Animal Law which...
Sentencing Council Guidelines for Animal Cruelty Offences
The Sentencing Council has issued guidelines effective from 1 July 2023, which reflect the increased sentencing powers under the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 (the ‘Act’) for animal cruelty offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The Act increased the...
Protecting & Preserving Betteshanger Country Park
Betteshanger Country Park in Deal, Kent is a testament to the positive environmental impact a community can have when they come together to reimagine and revitalise land impacted by years of industrial use. Betteshanger Country Park is a 250-acre ‘rewilded colliery...
Compulsory microchipping for cats in England
by the A-Law companion animals working group At long last, cats in England will have stronger protections under the law. After years of campaigns from action groups, cat owners and more, on March 13 Parliament announced new legislation introducing mandatory cat...
Home Office Reinstates Animal Testing Ban for Cosmetics Ingredients Following High Court ruling on a Judicial Review of UK Policy
In a case brought by Cruelty Free International, (“CFI”) the High Court ruled on 5 May 2023 that the UK government was acting legally when it relaxed its policy ban on animal testing for cosmetics in 2019. However the judge, Mr Justice Linden, acknowledged that the...
Chris Packham Succeeds in Libel Action
Chris Packham wins libel claim in respect of articles published on Country Squire website accusing him of dishonesty. One of the allegations made against Mr Packham concerned his fundraising for tigers that had been rescued from a circus where he believed they had...
Proposed Amendments to the Online Safety Bill
The primary aim of the Online Safety Bill is to protect children and other vulnerable individuals from harmful online content. While this covers content that relates to violence, drugs, alcohol or sexual themes, there are a number of amendments being proposed that...
Prop 12 law to protect farmed animals upheld by US Supreme Court: Analysis
By Oliver Hirsch The US Supreme Court has upheld Proposition 12, a Californian law setting minimum standards for the confinement of egg-laying hens, breeding pigs and cows. What is Prop 12? “Prop 12” was passed by referendum in 2018, with around 63% of California...
Two important ‘Animal’ Bills pass through the House of Commons and head to the Lords
By Rob Espin, Solicitor and Co-Chair of A-LAW Wildlife Special Interest Group Friday 17 March saw both the Hunting Trophies (Importation Prohibition) and the Animals (Low-Welfare Animal Activities Abroad) Bills successfully pass through third reading in the House of...
2022 ANNUAL STUDENT ESSAY COMPETITION WINNERS
Join us in extending congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Annual Student Essay Competition. Elena, an aspiring barrister completing vocational studies at the Inns of Court College of Advocacy, is our first-place winner, and you’ll be able to read her essay...