WAN Home
Introduction to Animal Protection Law Resources
This section of the WAN Web Site contains information on animal protection legislation atregional, national and international level. It includes useful references to books and resources,contacts, and links to Web Sites of interest.
It was compiled primarily to assist animal protection societies seeking to play a role in theintroduction or improvement of animal protection laws, or who want to utilise existing animal protectionlaws to further their work. Our hope is that it will provide a good overview of existinglegislation, including an indication of available 'models', and point the way forward for thoseseeking a more in-depth analysis.
Contents:
- How to use Animal Protection Legislation
- The Importance of Enforcement
- Systems, Structures and Democracy
- National Legislation
- International Agreements
- Council of Europe
- The European Union
- Useful Books and Other Resources
- Legislation Links
More detail below!
How to use Animal Protection Legislation
How animal protection organisations can use legislation as a powerful tool in their work toprotect animals. This section includes both the introduction and improvement of animal welfare laws, and the use of existing legislation. Lobbying is covered here.
The Importance of Enforcement
Effective enforcement is vital if existing laws protecting animals are to lead to practicalchanges in the treatment of animals. Animal protection organisations can influence enforcementmechanisms and assist.
Systems, Structures and Democracy
The use of systems, structures and democratic principles for additional influence. Includesissues such as governmental structures, committees, consultation and procedures.
National Legislation
Individual countries have a wide variety of animal protection legislation. Animal law can beat different levels in the country's governing constitution, national law (primary or secondary)regional/state law or local ordinances. Whilst many countries have comprehensive, modern animal protectionlegislation, some have yet to reach this stage. There is much that animal protection societiescan do to contribute to the introduction and enhancement of animal protection laws in theircountry.
International Agreements
International legislation, in the form of treaties and conventions, may be made betweencountries joining an agreement (either international or regional, such as the Council of Europe -see below).
Council of Europe
The Council of Europe comprises 46 European countries at the time of writing - coveringa much wider area of Europe than the European Union. Amongst the conventions of the Council ofEurope are five on animal welfare, covering pets, animal experimentation, farm animals, animaltransport and slaughter.
The European Union
The European Union comprises 25 European member countries. It was established by the EECTreaty (Treaty of Rome) signed in 1951, with the objective of safeguarding peace and promotingeconomic and social progress. Essentially, it is about trade and harmonisation of legislation.Thus, there are few measures concerned with the status and welfare of animals. It has also includedanimal welfare in its founding document.
Useful Books and Other Resources
There are many useful books and information resources on animal protection legislation.Models are invaluable for animal protection societies lobbying for improvement.
Legislation Links
Some useful links on animal protection legislation issues.
