The following article appeared in the February 2007 edition of "The Reporter" at Leeds University in England. As the report indicates, the course on Animal Law will be offered again in 2008. It is available to law and non-law students alike, and has application to a number of disciplines including law, medicine, psychology, ethics, sociology, biology, research, science, and economics. Given that the law underpins all dealings with animals, the course if suited to all organisations, groups and individuals whose interests or business activities involve animals.

An advantage of the course is that Dr Robertson's background as a vet, as well as a lawyer, brings an objective and practical perspective to the course. This aspect has been commented on by previous students who said they were pleased the course was not overly "rights based".

COPY OF ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER:

A new law course at Leeds teaches that our reliance on animals underpins the very lifestyle we enjoy today - from the economy to sports, science and health.

As a barrister, veterinarian and former wildlife presenter for Fox TV, visiting lecturer Dr Ian Robertson brings a uniquely pragmatic approach to his ‘animal law’ course, taught this semester to students of all disciplines, such as zoology, psychology, and law.

Leeds is one of just five universities in the UK offering the subject. And he is quick to emphasise that it’s not all about “dog bites and animal rights” as some people mistakenly think.

The elective course is particularly relevant as England’s new Animal Welfare Act that comes into law on April 6 - which replaces animal laws dating back to 1911 - will place a duty of care on owners to provide for the physical and mental needs of their animals. This will raise the animal protection standards for companion animals to the same level as those for farm animals.

Dr Robertson, who will speak at a Harvard Law School conference on March 31, said he decided to study law while filming endangered camels in Australia’s Red Centre when he realised he could have more influence if he ‘spoke the same language’ as policymakers.

During the course, he discusses animals’ legal status as ‘property’, looks at international treaties like the world ban on ivory, and applies these principles to realworld examples.

“Animals hold a significant place in our society, whether they are treated as part of the family or seen as a source of income. Many young lawyers can expect to face an animal law issue at some point in their careers, especially those specialising in patents and intellectual property, contract or criminal law, land use and the environment,” explained Dr Robertson. “We’re even seeing greater numbers of custody disputes over who gets to keep the family pet after a divorce.”

Agriculture is big business, and concerns for animal well-being will be crucial to the next stage of trade developments in the European Union and the World Trade Organisation.

“There’s a lot of interest from politicians in how we can shape our laws to benefit the UK economy. Because of issues like BSE, there’s emerging recognition that what’s good for animals is good for humans too.”

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) disease caused the UK to lose about£1,150m in beef earnings at its peak in 1995.

“Consumers are increasingly seeking assurances about animal welfare as a factor in their purchasing decisions,” he adds. “This branch of the law is developing internationally and it’s important the UK keeps up not just as a matter of morality, but as an economic necessity.”

The animal law module at Leeds will be offered again in 2008. For more information, visit www.animal-law.biz