This book offers a unique panoramic survey of the state of animal law in twenty-six countries and in the legal system of the European Union. The authors give a brief introduction to each jurisdiction, examine key issues, and formulate recommendations. The contributions provide ample opportunities for legal comparative studies touching on constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, environmental law, and administrative law, and discuss the crucial role of NGOs and civil society in raising awareness for the plight of animals.
The contributions show the mature stage reached by the discipline of animal law, which is gaining attention in wider circles. The book discusses wildlife, agricultural animals, experimental animals, service animals, stray animals, and others. One of the topics is the constitutionalisation of animal welfare (with a growing number of countries amending their constitutions to include the protection of animals or considering such amendments). Other topics include the trend of moving away from the age-old legal classification of animals as mere things, and the persistent weaknesses in the implementation of legal provisions for the protection of animals.
This book will be of keen interest to the worldwide animal law community, legal comparatists, legal theorists, policy makers, judges, law enforcement officials, as well as veterinary doctors.
