Litigating and Legislating for Animal Rights Seminar Series
About the Seminar Series
The aim of the Litigating & Legislating for Animal Rights Seminar Series is to provide a platform for in-depth discussion and dissemination of knowledge on the intersection of animal rights advocacy, strategic litigation, and legislative reform. This seminar series will bring together outstanding legal professionals, NGO workers, and scholars to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for advancing animal rights through strategic litigation and legislative reforms.
The seminar series will be held bi-monthly in 2025 and led by Dr Paulina Siemieniec, an animal philosopher specialising in ethics, law, and politics. Her work challenges conventional boundaries in political and moral philosophy, bringing fresh perspectives to the rights and agency of animals. Dr Siemieniec earned her PhD from Queen’s University under the supervision of Dr Will Kymlicka, where she explored how care ethics and disability theory can reshape debates on animal political agency.
Building on this foundation, her recent research—initiated during her time as a Visiting Researcher at the Cambridge Centre for Animal Rights Law—breaks new ground in conceptualising sexual and reproductive rights for animals, marking a pioneering contribution to the field. Currently an APPLE fellow, she has five forthcoming publications in leading academic journals, further advancing critical discussions in animal philosophy.
Guided by Dr. Siemieniec’s expertise, the seminar series will serve as a dynamic forum for education, critical dialogue, and strategic action. Leading animal advocates will explore the role of litigation, legislative reform, and political advocacy in advancing animal rights. Through knowledge-sharing, case studies, and interdisciplinary discussion, participants will engage with innovative legal strategies and emerging philosophical perspectives. The series also aims to foster collaboration and networking, strengthening the collective efforts of those working to enshrine animal rights within legal and political frameworks.
The Litigating and Legislating for Animal Rights Seminar Series explores the power of legal advocacy in advancing animal rights. Through expert-led discussions, we aim to:
Educate & Inspire
Equip legal professionals, advocates, and the public with insights into litigation and legislative reform.
Share Knowledge
Showcase best practices, case studies, and innovative legal approaches to.
Raise Awareness
Highlight the role of law and strategic litigation in driving systemic change for animals worldwide.
Build Connections
Foster collaboration among individuals and organisations committed to animal protection.
Create Lasting Resources
Develop an open-access archive of recorded seminars, blog posts, and materials to support ongoing education and advocacy.
Join us in shaping the future of animal rights through the law!
Register for our next seminars!
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3 April 2025 (4 PM CEST | 10 AM EDT): World Aquatic Animal Day, with Giulia Malerbi from the Aquatic Life Institute!
The Litigating and Legislating for Animal Rights Seminar Series launches with a timely discussion on aquatic animals—an often-overlooked group in legal and policy frameworks.
In recognition of World Aquatic Animal Day, Giulia Malerbi (ALI) joins Dr Paulina Siemieniec to examine the role of legislative reform in protecting aquatic animals as sentient individuals and species, with a focus on preventive bans against octopus farming.
Key Discussion Points:🔹 The hidden legal and ethical challenges of protecting aquatic animals.
🔹 ALI’s advocacy for octopus farming bans—where and why these efforts have succeeded, ongoing challenges and broader implications, and how it’s shaping the future.
🔹 Lessons for legal professionals, policymakers, and animal advocates working to strengthen legal protections for aquatic animals.
This seminar will provide valuable insights into the intersection of law and aquatic animal protection, highlighting legal strategies to drive meaningful change for aquatic animals.
Join us for this crucial conversation on how legal advocacy can turn the tide for aquatic animals.