International and Foreign Animal Law Research Guide

This guide is intended to help researchers locate information on animal law in an international and foreign law context. For help researching U.S. animal law, see our companion guide.

The focus of this guide is primarily on international and foreign law that addresses welfare issues of companion animals,farm animals and animals used in research. In this guide, there is less of a focus on international law for the protection of wildlife and marine animals. Here you will find links and information on international treaties, national laws on animal welfare, EU legislation, case law, books, articles and organizations.

Animal law is a broad subject, with governments and organizations worldwide constantly developing new concepts and approaches to animal welfare. Some issues include:

• the overpopulation of companion animals
• trade in exotic animals as pets
• animal fighting (e.g. dog and cock fighting)
• animal cruelty legislation
• humane transport of farm animals
• use of battery cages and gestation crates
• animal research in the cosmetics industry
• the fur industry

If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Wolff Library reference desk at 202-662-4195 or by email: lawintlref@georgetown.edu. You may also submit your question via this online form.

Revised 5/07 (AEB)
Links revised 8/08 (RAS)
Revised 5/10 (RAS)
Link update 7/13 (HEC)