About the International Centre for Animal Rights and Ethics
Founded in 2024 from a profound understanding of the gaps in Animal Rights Law, ICARE was established to transform legal systems and societal norms by advocating for the universal recognition and enforcement of legal rights for animals. Through an anti-anthropocentric lens, we promote interspecies justice and the development of multispecies societies where all sentient beings are recognised and protected under the law.
ICARE serves a global community of individuals, advocates, policymakers and organisations seeking training and resources. We share a commitment to advancing animal rights through legal education, research and advocacy and collaboration. Together, we strive to create a ripple effect of research, advocacy, legislative reforms, and litigation for animal rights across the globe.
By uniting scholars, activists, legal professionals, and policymakers, we aim to catalyse systemic change in how society views and treats animals. This has the potential to benefit countless human and non-human animals and the environment by equipping individuals and organisations with the prowess to effect institutional, policy, and legal change. Our story is one of collective ambition, compassion, and commitment to creating a more compassionate and just world for all sentient beings.
Our Story
The inspiration to create ICARE grew gradually from recognising the absence of Animal Rights Law in legal education—where only Animal Welfare Law is taught—and the motivation to change that. Conversations with fellow legal scholars, activists, and practitioners, coupled with our Founder’s own academic research and teaching experiences, highlighted the need for an organisation that offers education and fosters research, advocacy, and collaboration.
Our ambition is to bridge the divide between academia and animal advocacy, fostering a community of ‘scholactivists’ who are both scholars and activists. We believe that meaningful change requires building strong connections between those dedicated to advocating on behalf of animals, with academia, and among researchers themselves.
Our story is rooted in the understanding that caring for animals also means caring for humans, and vice versa. We recognise that practices detrimental to the well-being of animals often harm human well-being as well. Therefore, we are committed to providing moral support, empathy, and compassion to all individuals involved in this critical work. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, we aim to address these challenges holistically.