Animal Law Credits: 2

Catalog description

This course will begin with a brief overview of the philosophical and cultural issues underlying human/animal relationships, including basic theories of the legal systems's responses to social change. Legal issues relating to food animals, companion animals, laboratory animals, wild animals, and performing animals will be examined with reference to: (1) federal statues (Animal Welfare Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Wild Horses and Burros Act, Animal Damage Control Act, National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, Refuge Recreation Act, National Environment Police Act, and Humane Slaughter Act); (2) state statues (anti-cruelty, wills and trusts, hunting, racing and fighting statues); (3) local animal control regulations; and (4) extensive common law (standing, rights, free exercise of religion, property, landlord-tenant disputes, torts, marital dissolution and custody, and bailment).