Animal Law News
Animal Welfare in British Zoos
Since 1984, British zoos have been required to meet the animal welfare standards set out under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. Zoos are regularly assessed by government-appointed inspectors, who report on animal welfare standards in each zoo. This is the first analysis of those reports from a representative sample of British zoos. We highlight a number of concerns about the inspection process itself, and identify areas where changes would lead to improvements in both the inspection process and our ability to monitor animal welfare standards in zoos.
Improving farm animal welfare
The globally growing demand for animal products has put a strain on producers in order to keep producing profitable. However, the public’s concern about the welfare of farm animals has recently been increasing.
Success in Agricultural Transformation: What It Means and What Makes It Happen
‘Why is it that our operations at the (World) Bank to develop smallholder agriculture fail so often?’
Laboratory finds "There was no disease" (Pakistan)
The Sindh High Court (SHC) recently issued a stay order until the next hearing in response to a petition filed against the culling of Australian sheep allegedly sick with anthrax. Questions have been raised about underlying political/profit based motivations after it was revealed that Prof Rafique Khanani, head of the relevant (medical) commission, told the court that no indication of anthrax was found in the sheep after examination and chemical tests.
Of the 20,468 sheep imported from Australia to Pakistan, 7,667 were culled my slitting the animals’ throats or stabbing or...more >>
Export Supply Chain Assurance System (Australia)
Australian livestock export industry leaders believe that more resources – particularly those of the animal rights movement working to undermine the trade – should be directed at encouraging countries that are signatories to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to lift their game in meeting their obligations under the standards. It is alleged that to simply remove Australia from these markets, as many animal rights activists are advocating, is to remove one of the few agents that exist for positive animal welfare change in many countries.
Mandatory space allowances for pigs housed indoors (Australia)
The Queensland Government has amended the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 to include minimum space allowances for pigs housed indoors. This has the effect that the space requirements for pigs housed indoors recommended in the Pig Code are now mandatory in Queensland.
For more information, see http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/
Environmentalism vs. animal welfare
There are various organizations who deal with the prevention of animal suffering or the protection of the natural environment and wildlife. Although you might expect these organizations to fight for the same cause, they can be divided into two separate categories: animal welfare and environmentalism. The first category focuses on (the welfare of) individual animals while the second focuses on (the preservation of) entire ecosystems. However,when you choose to focus on individual animals it’s impossible to attach significance to...more >>
What price animal welfare?
How much are people prepared to pay to help improve the welfare of animals used to produce their food? This is not just an academic question, but one of practical concern given hopes that consumer choice can help drive up standards.
Aggressive dogs, are they are a reflection of aggressive owners?
A recent study has suggested that aggressive dog breed owners are more hostile than other dog owners. With this in mind, it has been suggested that a person's canine companion of choice might say a lot about the owner.
Pets, Property, and Partners
