Educating, mentoring & uniting animal advocates to turn knowledge, skills & connections into legal rights for animals worldwide

About ICARE

At the International Centre for Animal Rights and Ethics (ICARE), we envision a world where all sentient beings are recognised as individuals with inherent rights and dignity.

To achieve this vision, we’re making animal rights law accessible to everyone, everywhere. We combine animal rights theory with legal knowledge and practical application, equipping animal advocates with the necessary tools and knowledge to challenge animal exploitation and make legal rights for animals a global reality.

Our research and advocacy efforts aim to achieve widespread impact by providing additional resources for animal advocates to influence legislation, lobby initiatives, and ethical standards worldwide.

We provide legal support to NGOs and animal advocates to strengthen the animal rights movement and enhance the likelihood of successful legal reforms for animals. Our focus on long-term training and movement-building helps ensure sustained advocacy and progress for animal rights globally.

Join us and support us in our mission to transform the legal landscape for animals and achieve our vision of a world where animals are treated with justice and compassion!

Our Mission

Our mission is to end animal exploitation and the suffering inflicted on sentient beings by human actions, by securing the universal recognition and enforcement of animals’ fundamental rights.

A young fox standing on its hind legs in a forest with sunlight filtering through the trees.

Our Vision

Our vision is a world where all sentient beings possess legal rights, are treated with dignity, and are no longer exploited for human purposes or ‘left behind’.

We believe in interspecies justice and advocate for non-anthropocentric legal systems that uphold the dignity and rights of all sentient beings.

This entails recognising non-human animals as individuals with fundamental interests, needs, agency, personalities, cultures, relationships, and preferences and as subjects of lives that can fare well or poorly for themselves.

Our Programmes

What People Are Saying

“Participating in the 'Contemporary Issues in Animal Rights Law' (CIARL) course was a profoundly enriching experience. Thanks to the scholarship, I had the privilege of receiving top-tier instruction alongside colleagues from both the Global North and South with extensive backgrounds in animal advocacy. We attended lectures delivered by prestigious scholars on the most pressing current issues in animal law.

One aspect I particularly valued was the opportunity to apply our knowledge through assignments and presentations, which received rigorous feedback. I highly recommend ICARE for embodying academic excellence and for providing young professionals from the Global South with the opportunity to strengthen our work.

As a lawyer, the knowledge acquired at CIARL has significantly broadened my perspective on legal advocacy opportunities, improving the quality of my legal drafting for animal defense and my production of academic material. The academic outreach and training conducted by ICARE are invaluable to the global animal law movement. Furthermore, I am well aware of Marine Lercier’s academic work and her dedication to the movement. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and hope to have proven worthy of such support.”

Isaac Aarón de Santiago Peña Lobato, Co-founder, Derecho Animal en Perú (Perú) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 2nd ed.)

“The Contemporary Issues in Animal Rights Law course was an intellectually stimulating and genuinely enjoyable experience, offering the opportunity to study animal rights law and research important topics that are often not explored in traditional postgraduate programs. The coursework deepened my understanding of the complexities of animal legislation and litigation, while also strengthening my theoretical and practical legal skills—skills that I can apply well beyond this field.

What I appreciated most about ICARE’s course was its thoughtful structure, the depth of discussion and the commitment to exploring contemporary and challenging issues in international animal legislation. The instructors and guest speakers delivered meaningful and engaging lectures, creating an academic environment that was both supportive and demanding in the best possible way.

I am especially grateful to Marine Lercier for organizing such an excellent course and for providing constructive feedback in a supportive manner. I would highly recommend ICARE to anyone seeking rigorous, forward-thinking education in animal rights and ethics. The experience has had a lasting impact on my academic and professional development and I look forward to building on the knowledge and skills I gained through this course.”

Rozana Tsiknaki, MSc Student in Clinical Animal Behavior (Greece) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 2nd ed.)

“I came across the CIARL course by chance and joined without high expectations. However, within the first few weeks, I realised how much I still had to learn about animal rights law, advocacy, and their connection to animal welfare science, my current area of specialisation.

I am sincerely grateful for the scholarship offered by ICARE, which provided me with the opportunity to engage with leading experts and connect with passionate individuals from around the world.

I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in deepening their understanding of animal rights law and striving to make a meaningful, positive impact within their community.

Good luck and many hugs from Romania!”

Andrei-Sebastian Csiplo, PhD candidate in Animal Welfare Science (Romania) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 1st ed.)

“It was a pleasure to lecture on the ICARE course. The students were engaged and we managed to have a wonderful discussion about animal rights and personhood. I look forward to contributing to the course again in the future.”

Visa Kurki,  Professor of Jurisprudence (Finland) — Course lecturer (CIARL live course, 1st and 2nd ed.)

“I participated in the ICARE course on Contemporary Issues in Animal Rights Law, and it was an amazing experience. I gained in-depth knowledge of legal concepts and how to utilise them to advance the animal cause; most importantly, I drew real-life examples and inspiration that I can implement in my own advocacy and academic work.

Being part of this course, with such a diverse and international participation, felt like being part of a true community of animal advocates. I would recommend this course!”

Iro Tsarmpopoulou-Fokianou, Researcher (Greece) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 1st ed.)

“My experience with ICARE has been deeply enriching, both in expanding my understanding of non-human animal rights and in reshaping how I approach animal protection. The Contemporary Issues in Animal Rights Law (CIARL) course is thoughtfully designed to challenge prevailing legal paradigms, inspire meaningful change for non-human animals, and foster a dynamic and inclusive space for dialogue among advocates, researchers, and practitioners.

A highlight of the course was learning directly from leading experts — individuals I might not have otherwise had the opportunity to engage with. Their depth of knowledge and unique perspectives added immense value to each session.

Marine, the Founder and Executive Director for ICARE, along with the broader ICARE team, provided exceptional support throughout. Their guidance and constructive feedback significantly enhanced my learning experience.

I highly recommend ICARE to anyone dedicated to advancing justice for animals. Their integrity, expertise, and unwavering commitment make them a powerful force in the animal protection movement!”

Michaela Tafani-du Preez,  Attorney, Animal Law Reform South Africa (South Africa) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 1st ed.)

“Completing the Contemporary Issues in Animal Rights Law course with ICARE has been an incredibly positive and rewarding experience. The quality of the programme is excellent - thoughtfully designed with robust, real-world application. Each week, the readings, resources, and lectures were both practical and inspiring.

I would highly recommend ICARE to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of animal rights law, expand their impact, and work alongside dedicated advocates who truly care. I'm looking forward to embedding what I've learned into my everyday work for the advancement of animal freedom.”

Elizabeth Davenport, Animal Aid (UK) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 2nd ed.)

“I really enjoyed the CIARL course and found it very useful as an environmental lawyer.”

Robin Happel, Environmental Lawyer (U.S.A.) — Former course participant (CIARL on-demand course)

“The quality of the course is truly among the best I’ve experienced. ICARE managed the program very professionally, and Professor Siemieniec is not only highly knowledgeable in her field but also incredibly patient and kind with every student. She took the time to answer each question thoughtfully and made sure everyone gained meaningful insights from every lesson.

The community has been another highlight. Students support one another with genuine understanding and kindness. I would absolutely recommend ICARE to anyone interested in learning more about animal ethics.”

Chih-Wei Deng (Taiwan) — Former course participant (Summer course 2025, Bridging Animal Rights Theory and Practice)

“My engagement with the International Centre for Animal Rights and Ethics (ICARE) has been both enlightening and influential. The initiatives and activities of ICARE have shown a clear commitment to the promotion of animal welfare and ethical food systems, especially in their support for animal rights advocates and organizations operating in difficult environments.

What I find most valuable about ICARE is the quality of their educational programs, seminars, and advocacy tools. These resources are essential in offering knowledge and strategic information that can enhance the capacity of animal welfare advocates to advocate for the humane treatment of animals and effect policy change. The initiatives of the organization help to fill the gap between ethics and practice.

ICARE’s collaboration and mentorship strategy is also something that is praiseworthy. The staff of ICARE are helpful, knowledgeable, and truly committed to empowering animal rights advocates worldwide. My engagement with ICARE has helped to open my eyes to the world of animal rights advocacy and has reinforced the need to integrate ethics, policy, and community engagement into our work.

I would highly recommend ICARE to individuals and organizations interested in learning more about animal rights and welfare issues while also gaining access to a network”

Abdul-Rahman Safian, WACPAW (Ghana) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 2nd ed.)

“My experience with ICARE has been genuinely transformative. Before I joined the programme, I struggled to find an accessible animal law course, both financially and in terms of format. Most options were expensive or required in-person attendance, which was not practical for me. ICARE’s virtual classes made participation possible, and their need-based scholarship removed a significant barrier. That support alone reflected their genuine commitment to widening access to animal law education.

The course itself exceeded every expectation. The readings were thoughtful, relevant, and carefully curated, and the structure of each session, especially the thirty-minute discussion at the end, created space for deep reflection and intelligent conversation. The diversity of participants enriched the learning experience even further, as each person brought a unique perspective rooted in different academic, professional, and cultural backgrounds.

My favourite lesson was the session on feminist approaches to animal welfare, which challenged me intellectually and pushed me to re-examine familiar issues through a more nuanced lens. Overall, the programme was both stimulating and grounding, and it has influenced how I think about the intersection of law, justice, and advocacy.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone seeking an accessible, rigorous, and truly engaging introduction to animal law.”

Nduta Muhindi, Lawyer (Kenya) — Former course participant (Summer course 2025, Bridging Animal Rights Theory and Practice)

“The ICARE Contemporary Issues in Animal Rights Law (CIARL) course is an amazing course for all those looking to get into the field. Presented by an array of global experts, discussing interesting topics including the history and evolution of animal law, the legal theory underpinning animal rights and legal advocacy and political representation of animals, and so much more. Each session brought unique and thought-provoking discussions and debates about animal law and its developments.

Excellently organised and facilitated by the ICARE team, headed by Marine Lercier, this course has broadened my understanding of this field and has helped shape my ongoing research and work in the field.

I would highly recommend this course to anybody with an interest in learning more about animal law, as well as those already in the field, to broaden their knowledge as we continue our collective fight for a world where animals have the highest levels of freedoms and protection.”

Cheslyn Ceaser, Senior Legal Researcher, Animal Law Reform South Africa (South Africa) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 1st ed.)

“I had the privilege of participating in the first online course on ‘Contemporary Issues in Animal Rights Law,’ and it was a truly enriching experience. The course offered a comprehensive overview of the past, present and future of Animal Rights Law, while fostering an inspiring and intellectually stimulating learning environment. What made the learning journey especially engaging for me were the interactive elements, including thought-provoking assignments, dynamic class activities, and a highly rewarding Moot Court exercise that brought theory to life.

ICARE’s mission addresses one of the most urgent and timely challenges of our time. The creation of this much-needed space for education, reflection, and advocacy is both commendable and long overdue. I’d recommend this course to anyone curious about Animal Rights Law, whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen and update your understanding.”

Marie Kolb,  Law student (Germany) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 1st ed.)

“The live ICARE course was of exceptional impact with a goldstar cast of lecturers from across the globe. The team balanced law and ethics in a unique and creative way whilst providing opportunities to upskill in digital and other complementary areas.

I highly recommend ICARE offerings to those seeking to have an impact for animals. My engagement with them has fostered my commitment to animal rights law as I take the next steps in my career to advocate for animals.”

Rebecca Emerson-Keeler, Independent consultant pivoting into animal rights (France and UK) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 2nd ed.)

“I cannot recommend this course enough - not just for legal professionals, but for activists who are serious about understanding the political landscape which shape the fate of animals. It is an intensive, challenging course which offers both practical experience and in-depth theoretical work. What I appreciated most of all is the time the educators took to provide you with extensive, constructive feedback - something I don't get from my educators who are part of my legal degree.

While doing the course, I felt small, but I emerged on the other side feeling like a giant thanks to the guidance and patience not just from those who designed and teach this course, but from my fellow classmates as well. Overall, I am deeply inspired and feel armed well for the future and my role as an advocate for justice!”

Nikki Botha, Law student (South Africa) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 2nd ed.)

“The CIARL on-demand course provided me with a clearer and more structured understanding of animal rights law, particularly regarding the distinction between rights-based legal frameworks and welfare-based approaches.

Before taking the course, I was already engaged with animal-related legal and ethical issues, but often in a fragmented way. The CIARL course helped me consolidate key theoretical foundations and critically assess the limitations of current legal systems from a non-anthropocentric perspective.

After completing the course, I gained greater conceptual clarity and confidence to further develop my academic interests. The course encouraged me to initiate an academic article focused on animal rights law while also engaging with green criminology and environmental law, particularly in relation to green crimes and systemic harms against non-human animals. This interdisciplinary perspective helped me better understand how animal law and environmental criminality intersect within broader legal and advocacy frameworks.

Overall, the course strengthened my ability to analyze animal rights theories, apply rights-based legal reasoning, and think more strategically about legal advocacy and future research. I consider CIARL a valuable academic experience for anyone interested in animal rights law and ethics.”

Bárbara Gaetani, Veterinary Medicine and Forensic Investigator (Brazil) — Former course participant (CIARL on-demand course)

“Attending the course ‘Bridging Animal Rights Theory & Practice’ was a fantastic opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of current debates in animal rights philosophy. Dr Paulina Siemieniec presented material that is often challenging to grasp in a clear and accessible manner, leading to engaging and thought-provoking discussions.”

Marie Kolb, Law student (Germany) — Former course participant (Summer course 2025, Bridging Animal Rights Theory and Practice)

“This course offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the theory and practice of animal rights. As one of the lecturers, I was honored to share a space with some of the most well-known and respected scholars in the fields of animal ethics and animal law. Marine put a lot of effort, diligence, and professionalism into organizing the course, and then monitoring its development - patiently advising the students, and reading their materials.”

Pablo Magaña Fernández, Postdoctoral Researcher (Spain) — Course lecturer (CIARL live course, 1st ed.)

“As a course lecturer, I want to express how well this course has been put together!”

Elien Verniers,  Postdoctoral researcher (Belgium) — Course lecturer (CIARL live course, 1st and 2nd ed.)

“Participating in ICARE's course was a truly enriching experience. The quality of the content, the interdisciplinary approach, and the strong ethical commitment provided me with powerful tools to rethink the law in a transformative way.

What I appreciated the most was how the program bridges theory and practice in a meaningful and grounded way. I felt truly supported and intellectually inspired throughout the course, which challenged me to grow and contribute with purpose.

I would highly recommend ICARE to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of animal rights from a critical, empathetic, and impactful perspective. The program provided valuable tools, knowledge, and connections to engage effectively in this growing field, while also connecting me with a global community committed to building a more just world for all beings.”

Azul Cardozo Prieto,  Global Campaign Director, The Save Movement (Uruguay) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 1st ed.)

“It was a joy and honor to present the class on Animal Rights as a Social Justice Movement. It's a rare and special feeling to be together in the same (virtual) room with people from all over the world who care deeply about animals. The students were thoughtful, engaged, and introspective: everyone was eager to share their unique perspectives and learn from their classmates' insights and experiences.

Being an animal advocate, animal law student, or animal law educator can be an isolating experience at times, but this class was an antidote to that. The solidarity between everyone in the class reached through our screens, traveled the globe, and lifted us up. Thank you, ICARE, for creating such a powerful and supportive learning space and community for people who care about animals!”

Iselin Gambert,  Faculty co-director, GW Law Animal Legal Education Initiative (U.S.A) — Course lecturer (CIARL live course, 1st and 2nd ed.)

“My experience with ICARE has been truly impactful. The programme combines solid thinking with practical tools through a thoughtful mix of lectures, readings, and interactive discussions.

What I valued most was how it provided me with strong foundations in argumentation and a clear journey through different animal advocacy theories.

I would highly recommend ICARE to anyone looking to grow as a more effective and thoughtful advocate for animals. The team’s integrity, expertise, and commitment make it an outstanding learning experience.”

Shammy Coello Jairala, Managing Director Latam, Sinergia Animal (Chile) — Former course participant (Summer course 2025, Bridging Animal Rights Theory and Practice)

“The training course provided by ICARE is playing a significant role in my advocacy career in Liberia. It increases my understanding of animal rights law. During the training, I gained knowledge of drafting policy documents, such as MOUs and policy statements, as well as case commentary and how to conduct debates and analyse issues related to animal rights. I learned the difference between animal rights and animal welfare. I learned that animals have rights and are part of political systems, but do not have the capacity to speak for themselves or be held legally responsible for their actions. I gained knowledge in case briefing and public presentation. Before then , I had little and limited insight or knowledge in these areas. In conclusion, this program plays a crucial role in my work and career. I am asking ICARE to provide additional training in animal rights laws, research methods, and other related issues about animal advocacy.”

Alexander Togbah Wornie, Animal Mirror Liberia (Liberia) — Former course participant (CIARL live course, 2nd ed.)

Meet the Team

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