[New publication] A global perspective on animal law and welfare

A new book, entitled “Animal Law: Comparative and Global Perspectives” (T.M.C. Asser Press), edited by Federico Dalpane and Maria Baideldinova, shows that legal frameworks worldwide are evolving to address the welfare, protection and legal status of animals. The authors see a trend among countries to amend their constitutions to explicitly include animal welfare, signalling a growing global recognition of animals' intrinsic value.

The book presents a thorough overview of animal law across 26 countries and the European Union, and examines a broad range of issues, from the constitutionalisation of animal welfare to the continuing classification of animals as ‘property’ in many different jurisdictions. It highlights critical themes such as enforcement gaps in animal protection laws, the role of civil society and NGOs in driving change, and the challenges of managing diverse animal populations, including wildlife, farm animals and strays.

A key focus of the book is the trend among countries to amend their constitutions to explicitly include animal welfare, signalling a growing global recognition of animals' intrinsic value. It also discusses the complex interplay between animal welfare and various areas of law, including constitutional, civil, criminal, environmental and administrative law, offering unique insights for legal scholars and policymakers in the same field.

Contributions from authors from diverse legal systems and cultural perspectives, make this an essential resource for anyone interested in the intersection of law, ethics and animal welfare. From India’s challenges with concentrated animal feeding operations to Finland’s constitutional protections for animals, the book provides a distinctive, comparative analysis that emphasises both progress and ongoing challenges in this field.

You can buy or order your book here.

About the editors
Federico Dalpane is an assistant professor at KIMEP University, College of Social Sciences, and Maria Baideldinova is an assistant professor at KIMEP University, School of Law.