In this unit you will examine law and policy related to human obligations to non-human animals in Australia. The assessment structure and unit content emphasises the development of critical thinking skills through scholarly engagement with contemporary policy and law reform debates. You will develop research skills in an area of your choosing within the scope of the topics examined. You will also be supported to reflect on and articulate reasoned positions in relation to a range of legal, regulatory, and ethical questions raised by animal protection and the law. Module One considers the history of animal law and the role of ethics, science, ideology and politics in shaping animal law and policy in Australia. Module Two explores animal law as framed by two concepts: animal welfare and animal cruelty. It examines the integration of these concepts into legislative and regulatory regimes, and animal law and policy reform. Module Three involves a weekly focus on a specific area of animal law: farmed animals, companion animals, wildlife, animals as ‘pests’, animals used in scientific research, and animals used in sport and entertainment. The unit fosters a global perspective by reflecting on relevant international law and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE

I really loved having some guest speakers in our tutorials towards the end of the unit, as I found a real passion in studying Animal Law and it gave me ideas for future career pathways in this area. I was very passionate about this unit's content and I found Alexandra was very receptive and helpful to assisting me navigate some tricky emotional issues I haven't experienced in my study before. I think overall it has been my favourite unit to date in my Law degree. I wish there was Animal Law 2!

This is great feedback, however, it highlights that some of the content of Animal Law is confronting for students (e.g. having to read animal cruelty or breach of duty of care case decisions). I provided students with support on this point by facilitating discussions in Zoom sessions, including how to reframe challenging experiences into a source of motivation to drive our efforts. I also invited a guest speaker from the Centre for Optimism to our last Zoom session. I will continue to take this approach.

Feedback from SUTE

Fantastic! Feedback provided was exceptional! And useful! I was able to build on my feedback for my final assessment. This class was excellent.

This is very pleasing feedback. I will continue my current approach, which is to provide students with high quality feedback that supports skills development and confidence.

Feedback from SUTE

Issues with the connectivity of Zoom.

This was not a regular occurence. However, I will investigate these issues to optimise connectivity.