Respect and love for animals is growing. In Spain, we are still light-years behind other countries, but the situation for ARISTOPETS is slowly improving. Not only because for many families their pets are now "one of the family", but because there is a growing interest in learning about them, protecting them, and taking better care of them. As well as living in harmony and communion with all creatures on the planet.
At ARISTOPET, we are genuinely interested in all initiatives and projects that ensure the present and future well-being of pets. Some time ago, we told you about the Capital Animal platform. And today, we would like to introduce you to another initiative, which emerged within the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
The Treaty of Lisbon, in its article 13, recognizes animals as "sentient beings", and changes in legislation, both European and national, have multiplied the need for specific training for those dedicated to this coexistence between humans and other animals from any discipline. As a result, six years ago, the first edition of the Master in Animal Law and Society at UAB was taught. The first master's degree in Europe (at least for now) focused on this subject.
This is a professional specialization program, with a markedly interdisciplinary nature, as it aims to offer comprehensive training combining knowledge related to animals, from different areas. Such as law, ethology, nutrition and welfare, the ethical dimension, artistic and entertainment representation, organization and social responsibility.
The objective is to train professionals capable of managing the new challenges that society demands in relation to animals. The aim is to provide the necessary theoretical and practical background that an interconnected society, increasingly aware of the role that the good treatment of animals represents in sustainable development and in civic coexistence, demands.
Likewise, they aim to provide students with the necessary tools to learn about the legal means aimed at animal protection. And so that students acquire a total understanding of how law works in this specific area, whether they want to work as a professional, lawyer, advisor in an animal production industry, in a veterinary clinic, in a training center, in a local, state or autonomous corporation, in a non-profit organization, in an international or governmental agency, as well as in the academic and research fields.
To watch the master's presentation video, click here. Also, if you want to meet the director of the master's program, Professor of Roman Law María Teresa Giménez Cándela, and understand how this project came about, learn about the challenges facing today's increasingly globalized society in responding to the changes that have occurred regarding animals, don't miss this interview. Finally, to stay up-to-date on the latest news about animal law, learn about legislative developments and court responses, visit Derecho Animal.
We hope you found today's article interesting. If you know anyone who is interested in animal law and wants to learn more about it, and even professionalize, spread the word.