Our work
The UK Centre for Animal Law (A-LAW) is a volunteer-led charity connecting lawyers, academics, students, NGOs and others who are working to advance animals’ interests through the law. Our work includes education, advocacy, movement-building, events, publications and more.
Featured
UK Animal Law Conference 2026
Updates
Join us on 3–4 June 2026 at the University of Birmingham for the next UK Animal Law Conference. Read more
Latest
UK Animal Law Conference 2026
Updates
Join us on 3–4 June 2026 at the University of Birmingham for the next UK Animal Law Conference. Read more
Who Cares about Sharks in a War Zone?
Animals
By Jenny Bennett In a speech broadcast on Iranian public television (IRIB) on the 29th of March 2026, Iranian forces Lieutenant-Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari warned, "… (enemy) commanders and soldiers will… Read more
Regulating Animal Rescue Charities: The Case for Licensing
Animals
By Niamh McConnell Currently, anyone in England and Wales can establish an animal rescue and rehoming centre. Although voluntary standards exist, being voluntary, they cannot be enforced. Consequently, some providers ignore these standards while other… Read more
The First Insects in the World to Gain Explicit Legal Rights
Animals
by Niamh McConnell Bees play a vital role in pollination, sustaining the world’s food supply. It has been said that if bees were to disappear off the surface of the globe, humanity… Read more
Keynote Speaker Announcements and Call for Papers deadline extension to 4th February for the UK Animal Law Conference 2026
Animals
We are delighted to announce Melanie Challenger and Kim Stallwood as keynote speakers for the 6th UK Animal Law Conference, in addition to Kathy Hessler, as previously announced. The conference theme… Read more
New Danish Rules on Dog Breeding | Leading by Example
Companion Animals
By the Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs (LAGECDogs) In early 2025, Denmark implemented a new law establishing minimum standards for dog breeding.[1] Under this law, no dog,… Read more
EU Adopts New Rules on Dog and Cat Welfare and Traceability, including proposals on extreme conformation
Companion Animals
By the Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs (LAGECDogs) At the end of November 2025, the European Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement to adopt Regulations proposed… Read more
Call for Papers now open for the 6th Annual UK Animal Law Conference
Blog
The UK Centre for Animal Law (A-LAW) and the Multispecies Collective at the University of Birmingham are delighted to announce that the Call for Papers is now open for the… Read more
Save the date: UK Animal Law Conference 3-4 June 2026
Latest News
We are delighted to announce that the next UK Animal Law Conference will take place on 3–4 June 2026. Our 2026 theme is ‘The Future of Animal Law’. The conference… Read more
The UK Centre for Animal Law (A-LAW): Panel on The State of Animal Law: Policy, Courts, Academia
Animals
On 24th November 2025, A-LAW was delighted to host a panel discussion on the current status of animal law for our friends and members. We took this opportunity to step back… Read more
Events
Resources
Member Benefits
Join A-LAW today and enjoy a range of benefits while supporting our important work. Membership is open to anyone who shares our vision of a world where animals’ interests are fully protected by law.
- Members receive a subscription to the UK Journal of Animal Law — the UK’s only journal dedicated to animal law, policy and ethics.
- You’ll also benefit from free or discounted entry to A-LAW events, including a reduced rate for the annual UK Animal Law Conference.
- There are also opportunities to volunteer and become part of a growing movement working to strengthen legal protections for animals.