To date there was no specific degree in animal law, although it was possible to follow training courses in this area. Now theToulouse University Chapter He kicked off his new one university diploma in “animal law”in collaboration with theÉcole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse.
A historical result, which with this innovative course is part of an increasingly attentive context to the Animal protection and legal issues concerning their well -being.
The initiative responds to a growing sensitivity to animal rights, more and more defended in the classrooms of the courts thanks to the commitment of animalist associations. The new program includes a total of 120 hours of trainingwho will provide students with a solid preparation on a sector in strong evolution.
The law that in 2015 recognized animals with the status of living beings with sensitivity, sanctioning a important change in the civil codeopened the way to a deeper reflection on their legal protection. This course wants to respond to a growing need of experts able to defend animal rights in legal, public and health contexts.
An interdisciplinary approach
Animal law is not limited only to veterinary aspects, but is part of one vast network of sectors concerning daily life. Romy Sutra, professor by right at the University of Toulouse, underlined that “The animal is present in various areas of the company, from the judicial to the healthcare area, to the environmental one“. This shows how important a interdisciplinary approach to face the challenges related to animal protection.
The university course, therefore, not only prepares students to face legal issues, but also allows you to Collaborate with professionals in the veterinary sectorlike Flore Birot-Cecchini, a young veterinarian who has also chosen to deepen the legal aspects of animal protection. The veterinarians are in fact key figures in the protection of animals and how crucial to be informed about the legal regulations that concern them.
The creation of this new path of Sttudi marks a significant step in the formation of professionals Able to respond to modern challenges in the field of animal law, a sector that, over time, is increasingly imposing itself as necessary to guarantee the protection and well -being of animals. Not only in France, but worldwide.
En Direct de la signature de convention de parthenariat entrere @Ecoledroittlse de l ‘@Utcapitole and @env_toulouse. Cette Collaboration to Pour Objectif de Constituer A Cadre de Travail Commun et de Développer des liens en Matière de Formation et de Recherche. pic.twitter.com/m8oboyomq8
– école de droit de toulouse (@ecoledroittlse) March 24, 2025
And in Italy?
In Italy, as in the rest of the world except in France, there is still no degree course specifically dedicated to “animal law”. However, several universities offer teachings and programs focused on the legal protection of animals, such as the University of Milan, which offers the “Legislation for the protection of animal welfare”, providing an overview of the principles of international, community and national legislation on health and animal welfare. +
The University of Turin has also introduced teaching in “Private law of animals”, an advanced course that addresses the legal problems related to animals in private law, including aspects relating to property, contracts and successions.
Animal Law Italia, on the other hand, maintains an updated list of courses and programs available in Italy and Europe in the field of animal law, offering a complete overview of the training opportunities in the sector.
