Following its success in 2022, where Animal Law was taught for the first time in South Africa (and possibly Africa), “Foundations of Animal Law” will be taught for the second time by Professor David Bilchitz and attorney Amy P. Wilson, online through the Faculty of Law at the University of Johannesburg.

Bilchitz and Wilson are both co-founders and directors of Animal Law Reform South Africa (ALRSA), a non-profit organisation that provides legal services and undertakes research and advocacy to advance animal wellbeing and social justice.

The course will be held fully online and will provide learners with a convenient and accelerated opportunity to learn about this exciting field. This programme will introduce learners to the way in which the law and policy intersects with animals and explore cutting edge legal developments in this area. It will also provide an understanding of the main regulatory framework governing animal law in South Africa and further analyse the gaps, realities and opportunities for providing greater protection for animals in law and policy.

“I decided to complete the Animal Law SLP to broaden my knowledge about animals in the South African context,” shared Dr Yolandi M. Coetser, Senior Lecturer, School of Philosophy, North West University. “My own work focuses more on Animal Ethics, but I have, for a while, been interested in how abstract normative ethical ideas often clash with ‘real world’ experiences, which, in turn, are often governed by legislation. After the course, I managed to have a journal article accepted for publication in Animal Law, but, more importantly, it has made my own reflections on animals more nuanced and considered. I highly recommend this course for academics who work on any topic touching animals in South Africa.”

The programme is held online in the evenings and is broken down into approximately ten sessions. It features a range of interactive content, including live video lectures, a selection of materials and case studies, and access to various further educational resources. The lecture portion of the programme will take place with one to two lectures per week between April 2023 and June 2023, culminating in the requirement to write a detailed position paper at the end of the course.

Delegates who successfully complete the programme will qualify for a certificate from the university signalling their completion of the course. The course has been approved for 28 CPD points with the South African Veterinary Council.

The closing date for applications is 31 March 2023. For further details on the course read the brochure here.

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