Animal Law and Policy

After completing the course, the students:

-will understand how animal policies and animal welfare law have developed in western societies
-will learn about animal law in different countries
-will understand how animal ethics is related to animal law and policy
-will identify alternative approaches to animal law
-are able to theoretically analyse themes related to animal law and policy
-are able to present convincing oral written argumentation

This course unit develops the following generic traits:

• digitalization
• ethics
• internationality
• sustainability and responsibility
• critical thinking

Starting from the Academic Year of 2025-2026:

Various thematic study materials indicated in Digicampus to support the lectures. Essay requires independent search of learning materials.

Before 1.8.2025:

Various thematic study materials indicated in Digicampus to support the lectures.

Suggested course materials for the essay:
Literature:
Aaltola, E. and Wahlberg, B. 2015. Nonhuman Animals: Legal Status and Moral Considerability. RETFAERD ÅRGANG 38: 4/151, pp. 83-104.
Robert Garner and Siobhan O'Sullivan (eds.): The Political Turn in Animal Ethics. 2016. Rowman and Littlefield International.
Peter L. Fitzgerald, International issues in animal. The Impact of International Environmental and Economic Law upon Animal Interests and Advocacy. 2012.
Gary L. Francione and Robert Garner, The Animal Rights Debate. Abolition or Regulation? 2010.

The course is recommended to be taken on the second/third year of studies in law at the earliest.

The number of participants is not limited for UEF students or UEF Open University students.
The course will be organized every academic year during the autumn semester. The course is organized online.

The course is part of Kestävyysopintojen opetusyhteistyöverkosto – Teaching Cooperation Network of Sustainability Studies. The maximum of students accepted through the network is ten. Students will be selected in the order of registration.