Emerging Topics in Animal Law

Emerging Topics in Animal Law (Insect Law) - Professor Rajesh Reddy

• Course Number: LAW-605 
• Course Type: N/A
• Credits: 1
• Enrollment Limit: Determined by the Registrar
• Description: Despite making up the largest biomass of the world’s terrestrial animals and despite numerous studies pointing to their cognitive, emotional, and other capacities, insects (in the informal sense of the term) have historically been overlooked in animal rights advocacy. Shedding light on who these unique beings are and the myriad dangers they face—whether for use as food, clothing, research, entertainment, or otherwise—this course explores numerous avenues to safeguard their interests and protect their lives.
• Prerequisite: none
• Evaluation Method: Participation via discussion posts, final assignment
• Capstone: N/A
• WIE: N/A

Emerging Topics in Animal Law (Animals, the Law & Modern Media) - Professor Pamela Hart

• Course Number: LAW-605 
• Course Type: N/A
• Credits: 1
• Enrollment Limit: Determined by the Registrar
• Description: This course surveys the ways in which modern media treats animals, how the media influences the lives of animals, as well as how the media shapes animal advocacy. Students will analyze and discuss a wide range of different types of media featuring animals, including relevant legal cases and issues. For instance, students will examine how the treatment of animals working in the film and television industries has changed over time and how animals’ appearances in these types of media have shaped society’s view of them; explore ways in which documentaries and other platforms have been used to advocate for animals; study the use of animals in advertising, specifically assessing how animals have been used to influence consumer psychology; assess the legal implications of advertising “humane” products and recent consumer protection litigation involving animal products; decipher the ways in which social media can serve as an advocacy tool, as well as shape societal views of animals; and consider ways in which animals themselves can be content creators and related legal implications.
• Prerequisite: none
• Evaluation Method: Participation via discussion posts, final project
• Capstone: N/A
• WIE: N/A

   

Emerging Topics in Animal Law (Veterinary Animal Law) - Professor Megan Senatori

• Course Number: LAW-605 
• Course Type: N/A
• Credits: 1
• Enrollment Limit: Determined by the Registrar
• Description:  The veterinary profession plays an influential role in shaping law and policy relating to animal welfare. In the United States, the Veterinarian’s Oath calls for veterinarians to use their “scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.” While both veterinarians and animal lawyers share a deep love for animals and both work to improve their lives, the veterinary profession and the legal profession have often found themselves at odds over animal law and policy.
  This course endeavors to marry concepts from animal law and veterinary law. Students learn about the history of the veterinary profession, the veterinarian’s oath, the practice of veterinary medicine, regulation of the profession, civil claims, veterinary ethics, policy positions taken by veterinary professional organizations in strategic animal protection litigation, and more. Students also delve into an array of examples where veterinarians and/or the veterinary profession have shaped or have the potential to shape animal law and policy. Together, we’ll also consider the future of the veterinary profession and explore how veterinarians and animal lawyers can find common ground and work collaboratively for the benefit of animals.
• Prerequisite: none
• Evaluation Method: TBD
• Capstone: N/A
• WIE: N/A