International animal lawthe case of farm animal welfare

Abstract

Animal welfare has emerged as a pervasive concern in modern international law. Although the question of animal welfare is one of the greatest social justice issues of our times, there is a surprising lack of legal research in this area. Therefore, our aim is to create an interdisciplinary dissertation with two main purposes. Firstly, to contribute to the advancement of an emerging general international regime- the regime of international animal law. In the process of its construction, we will identify whether animal welfare is a universal value and a common concern of humankind reflecting interests and concerns of international community in its entirety. We will also examine animal welfare as a matter of a public interest that could be protected by public interest norms. Secondly, to delve into the specific question of farm animal welfare within the European Union. We will analyze international legal principles and norms protecting animals, within the broader framework of public international law and European Union law. In this way, the research seeks to formulate concrete reforms and proposals for a change on a global level. A change that would lead to international rules concerning animal welfare. Although this is a very ambitious objective, it is utterly necessary to center our capacities towards animal questions. Animal issues have far-reaching consequences, and it is about time to face them.