Key facts
UNE unit code: LLM545
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- 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.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
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 specialist and advanced 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 cognitive and creative skills to critically analyse and evaluate the public policies that shape the law regulating animals in light of, jurisprudential, ethical, and philosophical perspectives;
- use initative and judgement in identifying, synthesising and consolidating legal concepts, values and rules associated with contemporary animal law issues, and demonstrate a sophisticated ability to employ the skills of legal research, reasoning and argument, to develop and coherently communicate independent opinions on legal issues relevant to complex animal law matters; and
- demonstrate an advanced ability to present clear, coherent, well-reasoned and persuasive legal arguments to recommend, evaluate and synthesise and consider future approaches and assessments on the development of animal law.
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Annotated Bibliography and Research Proposal | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 |
Research Paper | Yes | 60% | All offerings | No. Words: 3500 |
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
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
19 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 19 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2025Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity
Good Universities Guide 2025Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-time Employment
Good Universities Guide 2025 (Undergraduate)
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
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?

I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 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.