Animal Law News

Sentience: “The third evolution of animal law” (FREE webinar, 6 and 7 September 2017)

Now that the law has recognised animals as "sentient" (defined as “the capacity to have negative and positive experiences”), how will that make a difference for the animals, and for people?

Come and hear what leaders from industry (Lindsay Burton), non-government organisations (Philip Lymbery), government regulators (Kate Littin) and other...more >>

An archived "look back" to Madrid's Royal bullfight in 1902
The use of animals as a source of entertainment continues to be a contentious subject for many people engaged in the field of animal welfare, standards of animal care, and the relevant rules ("laws").
 
So this retrieved account from the archives of "the Guardian" newspaper reporting a "Royal bullfight in Madrid" (1902) is likely to receive a variety of responses.
 
115 years ago, the reporter began this article by stating "The crowd yelled for darts provided with fire crackers to be stuck in the...more >>

Can a monkey own the copyright to his own photograph? (The "property or personhood" debate in action)

True story. The monkey pressed the shutter button on the camera and took a "selfie". A US appeals court has debated whether or not a monkey can own the copyright to a selfie. In the meantime, photographer David Slater could not afford the air fare to San Francisco to attend the hearing, afford to replace his broken camera equipment, or pay the attorney who has been defending him since the crested black macaque sued him in 2015, and is exploring other ways to earn an income.

The story of the monkey selfie began in 2011, when Slater traveled to Sulawesi, Indonesia, and spent...more >>

Australian court has been told that the 2011 live export ban to Indonesia was not justified
Australia made world headlines in 2011 when it banned live exports to Indonesia. Brexit, Trump, and a host of other events have pushed the Australian live export ban well out of a competing position for media headlines in the last six years. But demonstrating the long reach of major incidents involving animal welfare, politics, and international trade, there are still people, communities, and businesses who are feeling the effects of that decision. And particularly where the losses are significant, it is possible that there will be lawyers seeking compensation.
 
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Can you imagine greyhounds racing on a straight track? (Australia)
Sometimes the simplest ideas seem so obvious in hindsight, and we wonder why we didn't think of them before. That same principle of "make a small change to make a big difference" can be applied to the field of animal welfare, as illustrated in recent recommendations to the Greyhound industry.
 
A report recommending greyhounds race on straight tracks against fewer opponents has been welcomed by the NSW racing minister, but it’s not clear who would foot the bill for such an overhaul of the industry.
 
The report,...more >>

Should rhino horn be sold?
Take just a moment to answer the question "should rhino horn be sold" before reading the rest of this article.
 
In a recent survey, more than 80% of people quickly responded "no". Are you in that 80%? If you are, then what are the assumptions underpinning your no response? Perhaps it's got something to do with issues of poaching, and rhino as an endangered species?
 
Endangered species around the planet are usually on the endangered list for one of two reasons. They've either been hunted to the point of...more >>

Exported EU animals subject to abuse and illegal conditions

Animals exported live from EU countries are routinely being subjected to abuse, illegal transportation conditions and inhumane slaughter, an investigation has found.

Dozens of undercover videos and photographs obtained by the Guardian show live cattle and sheep from EU countries being beaten, shocked with electric prods, held for days in overcrowded pens and covered head to toe in faeces as they are transported from Europe to their final destinations in Turkey and the Middle East in conditions that breach European law. At their destination, at least some of the animals are...more >>

International NGOs' China operations hit by registration delays under new law

Some international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in China are suspending operations, cancelling events and losing partnerships in the country six months after the government introduced a law requiring them to register with the police.

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Farmers pushed off their land to save Tanzania's Great Ruaha River

Described as the "ecological backbone of Tanzania", the Great Ruaha River flows nearly 500 km (300 miles) from its source in the Kipengere mountains, through vast wetlands and the Ruaha national park before emptying into the Rufiji River in the southeast.

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Post-Brexit trade deals - are they really a threat to animal welfare?

Law can be viewed as "society's rulebook" about what's acceptable (or not) in terms of people's dealings with each other, and their responsibilities towards other people and "things", including animals. However, the line regarding what's acceptable varies enormously, reflecting the contrasting, competing, and frequently conflicting interests of the many stakeholders involved.

The singular largest use of animals is as a source of protein (food) for people. The theory is that improved standards of animal welfare translate to improved food safety and...more >>