Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW345
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Animal law is a rapidly evolving area of law that seeks to understand how the law governs our interactions with animals.
This unit will equip you with a broad understanding of this highly regarded area of work. You will learn about existing animal welfare legislation and consider how different philosophical and ethical and jurisprudential perspectives inform the ways in which law regulates animals.
Throughout, you will focus on comparing and contrasting the differing regulatory arrangements of companion animals, wildlife and endangered species, farm animals and related Agribusiness areas such as farming practices, feedlots, environmental regulation, road transport and export. You will also explore scientific experimentation, the entertainment industry (circuses, zoos and rodeos) and commercial food production.
Throughout, you will consider international developments in animal law and role of lawyers in the litigation and enforcement of animal law matters.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the nature and scope of animal law legislation and regulatory arrangements in a range of industry contexts in international and domestic settings;
- use well-developed cognitive and creative skills to exercise reflective and critical thinking, and professional judgement in demonstrating an understanding of how the relevant law can be applied to address contemporary issues and problems relating to animal law generally;
- use initiative and judgement to critically analyse, synthesise, evaluate and consolidate legal, eithical, historical and philosophical principles, legislative provisions and principles of case law relating to animal law matters to construct persuasive legal arguments and solutions to face based problems in respect of these matters; and
- produce clear and coherent written communications that demonstrate the skills of legal research techniques, reasoning and argument to develop independent views on legal issues relevant to animal law matters, and make assessments of where animal law can be expected to develop in the future.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Quiz | No | 10% | All offerings | |
| Oral Presentation | Yes | 40% | All offerings | |
| Take Home Exam | Yes | 50% | All offerings |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Animal Law in Australia: An Integrated Approach
ISBN: 9780409343809
Bruce, A., LexisNexis 2nd ed 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
