CQUniversity Unit Profile
LAWS11067 Animal Law
Animal Law
All details in this unit profile for LAWS11067 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit you will examine law and policy related to human obligations to non-human animals in Australia. The assessment structure and unit content emphasises the development of critical thinking skills through scholarly engagement with contemporary policy and law reform debates. You will develop research skills in an area of your choosing within the scope of the topics examined. You will also be supported to reflect on and articulate reasoned positions in relation to a range of legal, regulatory, and ethical questions raised by animal protection and the law. Module One considers the history of animal law and the role of ethics, science, ideology and politics in shaping animal law and policy in Australia. Module Two explores animal law as framed by two concepts: animal welfare and animal cruelty. It examines the integration of these concepts into legislative and regulatory regimes, and animal law and policy reform. Module Three involves a weekly focus on a specific area of animal law: farmed animals, companion animals, wildlife, animals as ‘pests’, animals used in scientific research, and animals used in sport and entertainment. The unit fosters a global perspective by reflecting on relevant international law and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Co-requsite: LAWS11057 Introduction to Law.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2025

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Research Proposal
Weighting: 40%
2. Research Assignment
Weighting: 50%
3. Online discussion forum
Weighting: 10%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

I really loved having some guest speakers in our tutorials towards the end of the unit, as I found a real passion in studying Animal Law and it gave me ideas for future career pathways in this area. I was very passionate about this unit's content and I found Alexandra was very receptive and helpful to assisting me navigate some tricky emotional issues I haven't experienced in my study before. I think overall it has been my favourite unit to date in my Law degree. I wish there was Animal Law 2!

Recommendation

This is great feedback, however, it highlights that some of the content of Animal Law is confronting for students (e.g. having to read animal cruelty or breach of duty of care case decisions). I provided students with support on this point by facilitating discussions in Zoom sessions, including how to reframe challenging experiences into a source of motivation to drive our efforts. I also invited a guest speaker from the Centre for Optimism to our last Zoom session. I will continue to take this approach.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Fantastic! Feedback provided was exceptional! And useful! I was able to build on my feedback for my final assessment. This class was excellent.

Recommendation

This is very pleasing feedback. I will continue my current approach, which is to provide students with high quality feedback that supports skills development and confidence.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Issues with the connectivity of Zoom.

Recommendation

This was not a regular occurence. However, I will investigate these issues to optimise connectivity.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Identify and discuss the various ethical perspectives, scientific and international developments, and politics shaping contemporary animal law and policy in Australia.
  2. Identify and explain federal and state responsibilities for law and policy relating to animal protection.
  3. Critically analyse the legal status of animals and their protection under anti-cruelty statutes and animal welfare regulations, drawing on case law, legislation, and relevant scholarly sources.
  4. Develop a research proposal and a research paper within the scope of topics offered, drawing on reputable legal and inter-disciplinary sources and knowledge.

This is an elective unit and there is no change in volume of learning. There is no link between learning outcomes and external accreditation. 

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Online discussion forum - 10%
2 - Research Proposal - 40%
3 - Research Assignment - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Australian Animal Law: Context and Critique

Edition: First (2022)
Authors: Elizabeth Ellis
Sydney University Press
Sydney Sydney , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 9781743328514

Publication: 01 Jul 2022
Series: Animal Politics

Publication: 01 Jul 2022
Series: Animal Politics

Additional Textbook Information

No

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Australian Guide to Legal Citation, 4th ed

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Alexandra McEwan Unit Coordinator
a.mcewan@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 10 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Introduction to Animal Law 

Chapter

See weekly study guide

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workshop no 1 (2 hours) 

Week 2 Begin Date: 17 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Moral and Legal Status of Animals

Chapter

See weekly study guide

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workshop no 2 (two hours) 

Week 3 Begin Date: 24 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Australia’s Animal Protection Framework

Chapter

See weekly study guide

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workshop no 3 (two hours)

Week 4 Begin Date: 31 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Animal Law Research Workshop

Chapter

See weekly study guide

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workshop no 4 (two hours)

Week 5 Begin Date: 07 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Animal Law and Policy Reform

Chapter

See weekly study guide

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workshop no 5


Research Paper Proposal Due: Week 5 Wednesday (9 Apr 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 14 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 21 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Animal Welfare Law and Farmed
Animals

Chapter

See weekly study guide

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workshop no 6

Week 7 Begin Date: 28 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Companion Animals and the Law

Chapter

See weekly study guide

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workshop no 7

Week 8 Begin Date: 05 May 2025

Module/Topic

Wild Animals and the Law

Chapter

See weekly study guide

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workshop no 8

Week 9 Begin Date: 12 May 2025

Module/Topic

Animals Classified as ‘Pests’

Chapter

See weekly study guide

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workshop no 9


Research Assignment Due: Week 9 Friday (16 May 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 19 May 2025

Module/Topic

The Use of Animals in Research and
Teaching

Chapter

See weekly study guide

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workshop no 10

Week 11 Begin Date: 26 May 2025

Module/Topic

The Use of Animals in Sport and
Recreation

Chapter

See weekly study guide

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workshop 11

Week 12 Begin Date: 02 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Critical Reflection

Chapter

See weekly study guide

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workshop no 12


Discussion forum Due: Week 12 Monday (2 June 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 09 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 16 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

I am generally available for consultation on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 12 noon (Eastern Standard Time).
The best way to contact me is by email. I check my emails regularly and will get back to you to arrange a time to talk.

Assessment Tasks

1 Research Proposal

Assessment Title
Research Paper Proposal

Task Description

The research proposal will require you to choose from a selection of topics and develop an introductory level annotated
bibliography. You will reflect on the significance of the topic you have chosen and complete an annotated bibliography
according to a template provided by the Unit Coordinator. You will be provided with guidance about how to complete
your annotated bibliography. The total assessment word limit is 1500words.

For this assessment, you must not use any generative AI, large language model or equivalent tool in any manner.
You must reference your work in accordance with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (AGLC) (4th ed) and adhere to
standards of academic integrity. The assessment criteria tool will be uploaded to Moodle by week 1 of term. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Wednesday (9 Apr 2025) 11:59 pm AEST

You must submit you work in a Word document


Return Date to Students

Estimated time for return is two weeks for the due date/time.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will be assessed according to an assessment criteria tool that focuses on:
Critial thinking and reflection;
Effective identification and use of sources;
Understanding of the law in context;
Written communication skills, referencing.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit to Moodle using the following naming convention: SURNAME_LAWS11067ResProposal

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify and explain federal and state responsibilities for law and policy relating to animal protection.
  • Critically analyse the legal status of animals and their protection under anti-cruelty statutes and animal welfare regulations, drawing on case law, legislation, and relevant scholarly sources.
  • Develop a research proposal and a research paper within the scope of topics offered, drawing on reputable legal and inter-disciplinary sources and knowledge.

2 Research Assignment

Assessment Title
Research Assignment

Task Description

The task is to write a research paper using your assessment 2 research proposal as the basis of the paper.

For this assessment, you must not use any generative AI, large language model or equivalent tool in any manner.

The assessment will focus on the development of legal and multidisciplinary research, academic writing, and critical thinking
skills. It will allow you to gain a more in-depth understanding of the topic you chose for assessment 2.
Word count: 2000 words, excluding footnotes.
Referencing: AGLC (4th edition). You do not need to include a bibliography.
Standards of academic integrity apply to this assignment.
Assignment submission: All assignments must be submitted online in a Word Document. If you submit in any other form,
such as PDF, you will be asked to re-submit your assignment in a Word Document for it to be marked.
Assignments must be typewritten and in a font of at least 12.
Submit to Moodle using the following naming convention: SURNAME_LAWS11067Research Paper
The assignment is worth 50% of the total unit mark and will be marked according to assessment criteria.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (16 May 2025) 11:59 pm AEST

You must submit you work in a Word document


Return Date to Students

Estimated return date is two weeks from the due date and time.


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will focus on the development of legal and multidisciplinary research skills, academic writing, and
critical thinking skills. It will be assessed using an assessment criteria tool that focuses on:
Structure of paper and quality of argument; Analysis of the law in context; Effective use of sources; Evidence of independent research and critical thinking;
Written communication skills and referencing.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit to Moodle using the following naming convention: SURNAME_LAWS11067ResPaper

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify and discuss the various ethical perspectives, scientific and international developments, and politics shaping contemporary animal law and policy in Australia.
  • Identify and explain federal and state responsibilities for law and policy relating to animal protection.
  • Critically analyse the legal status of animals and their protection under anti-cruelty statutes and animal welfare regulations, drawing on case law, legislation, and relevant scholarly sources.
  • Develop a research proposal and a research paper within the scope of topics offered, drawing on reputable legal and inter-disciplinary sources and knowledge.

3 Online discussion forum

Assessment Title
Discussion forum

Task Description

The online discussion forum assessment is worth 10% of the total unit mark.  For this assessment, you must not use any generative AI, large language model or equivalent tool in any manner.

You will make two posts to assessment discussion forums set up on Moodle specifically for this purpose. Each post is worth 5 marks.
You will make two posts in total. Each post should be entered into a different week, e.g., one post to a week 10 question
and the second post to a week 11 question.
You will choose from a selection of questions and topics based on unit content from weeks 9, 10 and 11.
Post One: You will make an original post responding to one of the set questions.
Post Two: You will make a post responding to another student’s post, i.e., a ‘reply’. You can reply to an original post, or a
reply post made by another student.
The word limit for each post is 200 words, excluding footnotes. There is a word minimum of 150 words for each post.
Before you enter each post into your chosen discussion forum questions, write them in a single Word document. Submit
your Word document via the usual Moodle assignment submission process.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Monday (2 June 2025) 11:59 pm AEST

Your work must be posted to the discussion forums. You must also submit your discussion posts in a Word docuemnt for marking.


Return Date to Students

Estimated return date is two weeks from the due date and time


Weighting
10%

Assessment Criteria

Each post will be marked according to assessment criteria tool focusing on:

  • effective use of sources, including referencing, and quality of argument;
  • consideration of the law in context;
  • contribution to a community of learning;
  • critical reflection and communication skills, including adherence to word count.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify and discuss the various ethical perspectives, scientific and international developments, and politics shaping contemporary animal law and policy in Australia.
  • Identify and explain federal and state responsibilities for law and policy relating to animal protection.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?