Join us in extending congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Annual Student Essay Competition. 

Daniel is our first-place winner for the 2023 competition, and you’ll be able to read his article in our next edition of the UK Journal of Animal Law which should be published December 2023. To receive this journal, subscribe here. Daniel has an MPhil in European Cultures and is currently researching animal representation(s) in law and literature. He performed vegan poetry to delegates nibbling beef canapés at COP26 and has translated animal rights books into English from Italian and French. 

Madeleine, a current Bar Course student at the Inns of Court College of Advocacy took second place in our 2023 competition. She is passionate about animal welfare and rights and hopes to make an impact in this area in her legal career, promoting awareness of welfare issues and legislative change. 

Jaaved, pursuing the Bar Vocational Studies program at City, University of London is our third-place winner for the 2023 competition. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Middlesex University (Mauritius Branch Campus). Jaaved has also dedicated his efforts to various pro bono cases within his local community and has actively engaged in delivering public speeches and presentations. Originating from Mauritius, Jaaved harbours a deep-seated passion for the preservation of fauna and flora.

Congrats to all three of you, and a big thank you to all the students who participated in the 2023 competition. It’s always inspiring to us to see students delve into the questions with care and consideration and provide thought provoking essays.

What is the Annual Student Essay Competition?

Every year A-LAW runs an essay competition for students on a topical issue or theme within the field of animal law. This year our essay question was: Can the UK’s hunting legislation be reformed to ensure practical protection for UK wildlife? 

Our competition provides students with the opportunity to hone their research and writing skills, whilst gaining experience in a niche area of law. It also offers an opportunity to get published in a peer reviewed journal, the UK Journal of Animal Law, the first of its kind within the UK. Our competition is judged by esteemed lawyers and academics. In 2023 our judges were drawn from barristers at Goldsmith Chambers. This competition is open to all students, inclusive of undergrad and postgrad studies as well as internationally based.

What did our participants say about the competition?

“I participated in the UK Centre for Animal Law’s Essay competition due to my personal interest in animal welfare and love of wildlife. Having completed the GDL I had not had the chance to study animal law as part of my university course and welcomed the opportunity to broaden my legal knowledge outside of the course content. This essay competition offered an opportunity to delve into an interesting aspect of animal law, and the controversy surrounding the Hunting Act. Allowing me to develop my legal knowledge of the legislation and practical application of the law, as well as the realities of its enforcement. This competition allows students to contribute to the discourse surrounding animal law whilst developing reasoning and written skills that are crucial for a legal career. It is a great opportunity for students to raise awareness for key issues in animal law, and develop their legal skills and knowledge.” Madeleine – 2023 

“The Dodo: once a majestic bird, now lost yet cherished in the hearts of Mauritians. The extinction of this exquisite creature made me conscious of the wildlife around me. This propelled my interest in the cause of wildlife preservation, particularly marine life, given my upbringing in a tiny island surrounded by the ocean. Therefore, when I came across the 2023 UK A-Law Essay Competition, I seized the chance to participate. From a personal standpoint, this decision proved to be incredibly rewarding. I had the opportunity to enhance my writing skills while delving into research and acquiring new knowledge about animal law. I wholeheartedly recommend that fellow students embrace upcoming essay competitions as an avenue for growth and engagement.” Jaaved – 2023 

“The UK’s supposed ban on hunting shows the shortcomings of existing animal protection laws — loopholes will always exist unless legislation genuinely considers animals’ own interests. Working out the details of laws inclusive of all animals is a monumental task. I want to be part of this shift and I suggest other students and activists get involved with A-Law to help keep the pressure on policymakers and legal professionals.” Daniel – 2023

Learn more about our competition here, or message [email protected] for further information.