Center for Animal Law

​​​About the Center  

Founded in 2002 through a gift from Dr. Florence Wissig Dunbar (JD ’45), the Center for Animal Law is one of the nation’s earliest academic programs dedicated to animal law. It prepares you to lead change in a rapidly evolving legal field centered on the ethical treatment and protection of animals, and it benefits from long-standing partnerships with local and national advocacy organizations—relationships that enrich its public programming, placement opportunities and policy impact. The center is grounded in academic excellence, community engagement, and DePaul’s Vincentian mission of justice and service. 

Animal law is a rapidly expanding area focused on advancing the interests of animals through the legal system and recognizing our legal and ethical obligations toward them. The Center combines rigorous legal theory with practical experience through coursework, externships and public programming. It serves as both an academic and applied resource, offering continuing legal education (CLE) panels and seminars that address topics such as factory farming, puppy mills, animal cruelty, tort valuation of animals and the role of animals in entertainment. 

The center also functions as an independent hub for professional networking and scholarship. It is dedicated to advancing the study and practice of animal law by educating students, legal professionals and advocates committed to the humane treatment of animals. As a vital resource for legal and ethical scholarship, the center prepares future leaders to shape the policies and practices that impact animal welfare. 

Academic Opportunities 

Animal Law

DePaul Law’s Animal Law course offers a comprehensive examination of the rights afforded to animals, as well as a look at the application and enforcement of those rights. Topics include a history of animal rights, legislation, case law, ethics, lobbying and a discussion of issues confronting major lobbying and activist organizations. Constitutional, land use planning, international and environmental law issues also are presented. The course is taught through lecture and extensive class discussion including case and regulation analysis.  

Experiential Learning 

You may earn academic credit through externships with public agencies and private organizations focused on animal welfare. These real-world experiences allow you to develop practical legal skills while advancing your knowledge of animal law. 

Events 

Through panels, seminars and film screenings, the Center for Animal Law provides educational and networking platforms to facilitate the exchange of ideas among scholars in the field, practicing attorneys and the public. These CLE events have covered some of the most notable issues in animal law, including: 
 
  • State and federal animal welfare laws 
  • Puppy mills 
  • Food supply chains and sustainable farming practices 
  • Microchipping animals 
  • Legal protections of aquatic life 
  • Animal experimentation 

Upcoming Events 

Details for upcoming events will be posted here, so check back often! 

Past events can be viewed here​.

Administration & Faculty  ​

Administration  

Brett Harrison Davinger 

Faculty 

Friends & Supporters 

The Center for Animal Law partners with a wide range of like-minded organizations throughout Chicago, Illinois and beyond. Many have contributed to our events and provided valuable insight into the challenges animals face worldwide. 
 
We are proud to recognize these groups for their ongoing commitment to animal welfare and invite others to use this list as a starting point to explore the work of local, national and global advocates.
 

Support Us 

Please consider making a gift to support our educational programs on emerging animal welfare issues. Your contribution directly benefits student learning and public engagement. 

Donate Today

Connect With Us 

Contact Us 

(312) 362-8065 
cal@depaul.edu  
 
Please note that the Center for Animal Law does not provide legal representation for individuals or groups.