Animal Law in Australia and New Zealand

Book excerpt: Laws governing the treatment of animals have been in place in the legal systems of Australia and New Zealand for many years, and some aspects of the animal welfare laws in these two systems are considered progressive at an international level. However, the study of animal law as an academic discipline and as part of legal education is a recent development in Australasia. Animal Law in Australia and New Zealand aims to contribute to establishing and furthering animal law as an independent branch of legal studies in these countries. Part I of the book focuses on the philosophical, scientific and historical aspects of animals in relation to law, providing the background against which animal law can be examined as a discipline and a branch of law. It considers the legal status of animals and raises questions as to whether the entrenched legal status of animals as property should be changed or modified in furtherance of animal protection. Part II of the book focuses on animal law in practice in Australia and New Zealand, covering legal frameworks for animal welfare law and an overview of the key provisions of the relevant laws. Later chapters detail the regulation of the treatment of companion animals, farm animals, wild animals and animals used in research. Animal Law in Australia and New Zealand is an introductory text covering animal law in Australasia and is ideal for university law students undertaking animal law, animal welfare law or animal rights courses; academics interested in animal welfare and the environment in general; lawyers who are interested in animal welfare and environment; animal rights advocates; and general readers with an interest in animal welfare.