Animal Law and Animal History

The United Kingdom was the first country to enact animal protection laws, with the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835.

Animal rights is the legal principle that animals are not property and should not be treated as such.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) was founded in 1824 and is the oldest animal rights organization in the world.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international treaty that aims to protect endangered species by regulating the trade of these species.

Animal welfare is the legal principle that animals should be treated with respect and dignity.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was founded in 1980 and is one of the largest animal rights organizations in the world.

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is an international treaty that aims to protect migratory species by regulating the hunting, capture, and trade of these species.

Animal sentience is the legal principle that animals can feel pain and suffering.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was founded in 1954 and is one of the largest animal rights organizations in the world.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international treaty that aims to protect the marine environment by regulating the use of the oceans and their resources.

Animal liberation is the legal principle that animals should be free from exploitation.