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Module One: Animals, welfare and law (Introductory module)

The first module of the online course is intentionally designed to be applicable for all individuals/organizations with interests and/or activities relating to animals and their welfare.

Structure of the first online module: Each module is divided into three topics which include a self-assessment at the end of each topic.

Topic One: The foundation of the human-animal relationship

The first module of the online course begins by examining the human-animal relationship and provides a basis for participants to examine the origins of their own beliefs and attitudes regarding animals. Additionally, the first topic enables participants to recognize not only the origins of their own beliefs but also understand the potential origins and therefore rationales for opinions other than their own regarding animals. Participants who successfully complete topic one of module one should have an understanding of the development of the human-animal relationship, be able to recognize the names and contribution of key figures in the development of animal protection, and have sufficient familiarity with animal welfare terminology [e.g. the difference between animal rights versus animal welfare] to enable them to understand subsequent modules and participate competently in discussions/forums which reference terminology, figures and foundational concepts of the human-animal relationship.

Topic Two: Principles of Contemporary Animal Welfare Law

The second topic then examines how those opinions and attitudes have been translated into contemporary animal welfare law. England and Wales, Scotland, and New Zealand are examples of legal jurisdictions who are recognised by the international community as having leading animal welfare legislation. The module therefore references the principles of animal cruelty, protection, and welfare legislation from these jurisdictions which enables participants to compare and contrast the law in their own jurisdiction/region with policy and law from jurisdictions that are recognized as being global leaders in the subject of animal welfare.

Topic Three: The good, bad and ugly of animal welfare  

Having learnt about the foundational principles of animals and their welfare, and seeing how those principles are translated [or not] into law, Topic Three of Module One then applies a very pragmatic approach and practical perspectives/training in assisting the participant to actually recognize lawful from unlawful animal welfare. Topic Three includes consideration to aspects of abuse of animals and its links to human domestic violence.

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Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of module one, each participant should be able to participate in discussions regarding animals objectively [topic 1], authoritatively [topic 2] and practically [topic 3]. Module one is presented as a prerequisite to other modules because the ability to converse in matters of animal welfare objectively, authoritatively and pragmatically is necessary to avoid potential confusion for the participants as they complete subsequent modules. For example, before the participant can sensibly and authoritatively participate in discussions regarding legislative development, and/or animal husbandry systems, and/or business involving animals, or any one of a large number of other activities involving animals, it is helpful if they understand the difference between animal rights and animal welfare, ethics and law, legal concepts that classify animals as “property”, and how personal views regarding what's right or wrong in terms of animal treatment may parallel/be different from considerations of "lawful" animal treatment.

Tailored modules

Having successfully completed Module One, participants may then make requests to International Animal Law (IAL) for modules that are tailored to their specific interests. For example, IAL has requests to develop modules that address potential conflicts and dilemmas for professionals on subjects including client confidentiality and reporting of suspected abuse. Additionally, there have been requests for modules addressing the use of animals in agriculture, dog control, and the role of the expert witness in court cases addressing legal issues of animal welfare. See below on this page for a summary of online modules and face-to-face courses available through IAL. Each module is intended to objectively inform and educate each participant, and avoid subjective suggestions as to what is right and wrong/good or bad. The aim is to ensure that participants are provided with a balanced and objective understanding of different views regarding animal welfare issues in a way that is informative, thought provoking and practical. Participants are thereby personally and professionally informed in a way that enables them to critically and objectively materials and proposals on their own merits (or not) regarding animals and related human interests.

Education modules and courses

Online modules for 2011

• Animals, welfare and law (Introductory module - Available as of May 2010)
• The use of animals in agriculture (Subject to completion of Module One)
• The big deal about client confidentiality, reporting and being a court witness. (Subject to completion of Module One)

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Face-to-face courses (2011)

• Powers and Responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England and Wales)
• The role of the expert witness
• Key principles of animal welfare investigations

Further Information

For information regarding the online course or any of the other specialist education online modules or face-to-face courses available from International Animal Law please use the Contact Page.