University News Last updated 02 July
Bridging the gap between animal and environmental law and raising animals’ legal status are some of the first steps towards a better legal future for animals, agreed experts at the UK Animal Law Conference 29-30 May 2024, co-hosted by Birmingham City University (BCU) and the UK Centre for Animal Law (A-Law).
Academics, lawyers, NGOs, and students, from across the globe gathered to discuss a new “multi-species approach” to rights and other protections for humans and non-humans (animals and nature).
Opening the conference, Dr Iyan Offor, BCU Senior Lecturer in Law, remarked: “My academic career was transformed when I discovered A-Law. It's exciting to have everyone together here.
"In the last decade, we’ve seen this area flourish. I didn’t know a single person doing a PhD in animal law when I completed mine. Now there are more and more people working in this area, as we can see from this conference. We need this momentum to keep moving forward.”
Paula Sparks, Chairperson of the UK Centre for Animal Law (A-law), urged delegates to “learn and be better as we work towards full protection of animals in UK and international law.”
“When you look at the state of 2024, you see a mismatch of puzzle pieces. Each country has different laws. The protection of animals is almost always incidental to other laws and policies.
“We’re here today to forge a path towards a world that gives animals what they need – to fulfil their biological instincts, be protected from pain, and coexist with people in a healthy habitat.”
The spirit of the event was knowledge sharing and networking. Delegates heard from six keynote speakers and explored topical issues, including ‘dangerous’ dogs, wildlife, sentience, animals in research, companion animal welfare, climate change, agriculture, activism, human rights, and social justice.
“By educating our community on policy, ethics, and the legal landscape for animals, we’re empowering them to think creatively about improving animals’ legal situation,” said Dr Offor.
Carley Lightfoot, BCU Lecturer in Law, added: “Animal law is still a niche area. Universities often only have one academic, if any, in this area. BCU is great because we have an entire community of animal law researchers.
“Conferences like this are vital. We’ve seen lots of creativity in speakers proactively suggesting how we could move past the monumental issues facing animal law and welfare.
“Animal law doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It covers lots of areas and you can see that from the topics discussed. The research we do uses scientific evidence to impact legislation.”
Dr Offor expanded: “Wildlife has emerged as a key theme. Animal and environmental law have been quite separate in the past, so it’s great to see these communities come together at the conference.
“Animals’ legal status has been up for debate too. Specifically, rights and alternatives to rights for animals in legal institutions, courts, legislative processes, government, and education.
Ankita Shanker, Founder and Director of the World Moot on International Law and Animal Rights (WMILAR), delivered skills training on how to ‘moot’ and presented on animal rights.
“If we want a world that fully respects animal rights, we must ensure everything we learn and practice is passed onto future generations of animal lawyers. As the pace starts to pick up, I see a future where animals are no longer a means to humans but recognised as individuals.”
Maya Pardo, Legal Researcher at Kings College London, shared legal guidance from the A Rights of Nature Toolkit that “empowers activists fighting water pollution in England and Wales to challenge water companies and government bodies, and keep them on their toes.”
“Law is increasingly used in activism, from influencing local council plans to advocating for more wildlife. It’s all underpinned by laws. Without using the law, you can’t do much.”
The conference launched BCU’s Animals, Nature, and Society research stream, part of the Centre for Human Rights, which co-hosted the event with the UK Centre for Animal Law.
Dr Offor concluded: “The fourth annual UK Animal Law conference felt special. It’s the first time we’ve met in person since 2019. Hopefully, BCU will become its home.”