THE DYNAMICS OF WILD ANIMAL WELFARE LAW

The laws that have developed to govern wild animals and their habitats seek to balance welfare, conservation, recreation, and trade interests. In addition, the expanding human population is placing increased pressures on natural systems. Most policies that have been developed to date have been unwieldy compromises between the different stakeholders involved in wild animal welfare conflicts. To date, little international effort has been devoted to the development of animal welfare laws. Several prominent cases involving these issues are examined, including policies established by the International Whaling Commission and the CITES treaty. European policies governing wild animal welfare are analyzed. Special attention is given to regulations implemented in the UK.