Units / LAW5458
LAW5458 · Animal law
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Faculty of Law
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit examines the ways in which Australian law defines and regulates the control, treatment and welfare of non-human animals. Significant laws, regulatory systems, and contemporary policy debates related to human uses of animals in specific contexts will be critically examined. These may include: animals in agriculture; the live export industry; 'ag gag' laws; animals in science, research and education; companion animals; and animals in the wild. While the primary focus of the unit will be upon the law in Australia, where relevant international and comparative developments will be considered.
Offerings
The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Class participation | Demonstration | 10% | — |
| 2 | Research assignment | Written | 50% | — |
| 3 | Written assessment | Written | 40% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prohibitions
- LAW4230 — Animal law
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate specialised knowledge and understanding of the law, policies and objectives that constitute and underlie the regulatory schemes affecting animal welfare outcomes and management in Australia.
- Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex legal and policy issues relating to the balance between commercial stakeholder interests, ethics, animal welfare objectives and the public interest in the management of human - animal relationships.
- Research independently into relevant domestic and international materials on the regulation of animals in distinct contexts, demonstrating knowledge of appropriate research principles and methods.
- Interpret and transmit legal knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences regarding rights and responsibilities under the regulatory regimes that relate to the treatment of animals in the contexts studied.
- Use cognitive, technical and creative skills to solve complex problems relating to policy making and regulation in the field of animal law.
Workload
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit typically comprises of a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study applicable to a 6 credit point unit. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning, and online engagement.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Workshops | 24 hours |
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