CLEBC - Courses On Demand

Animal Law Express 2026

Course Date: April 1, 2026

Full Course Materials

Total: 3h 10min

Total Ethics: 30min

Course Introduction and Land Acknowledgement (9:00 – 9:10)

Nav Shukla — Program Lawyer, CLEBC, Vancouver

V. Victoria Shroff, KC — Shroff Animal Law and Adjunct Professor of Animal Law, Peter A. Allard School of Law, UBC, Vancouver

The Criminal Code and Crimes Against Animals (9:10 – 9:35)

review of topical case law and sentencing trends in animal cruelty

Alexandra Janse — Senior Crown Counsel, BC Prosecution Service, Kamloops

Enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and SPCA Seizure Disputes/Appeals (9:35 – 9:55)

enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the BC SPCA's governing regulatory legislation
seized animal custody disputes and appeal process

Andrea I. Greenwood — Legal Counsel, BC SPCA, Vancouver

Who Let the Dogs Out? Dangerous Dogs and Ownership Responsibility in Civil and Municipal Settings (9:55 – 10:30)

overview of BC's legal framework governing regulation of dangerous and aggressive dogs, including the Community Charter (s. 49) and local government bylaws
the intersection of municipal authority and animal control officers' powers: seizure, destruction orders, and due process considerations
ethical and advocacy considerations for counsel representing victims, dog owners, or municipalities
evidentiary issues: priors and the use of veterinary or expert behaviour evidence
the civil liability landscape: negligence, scienter, under common law, and case law developments

David B. Clements — City Prosecutor, City of Vancouver, Vancouver
V. Victoria Shroff, KC — Shroff Animal Law and Adjunct Professor of Animal Law, Peter A. Allard School of Law, UBC, Vancouver

Q & A Session (10:30 – 10:40)

BREAK (10:40 – 10:50)

Fur-ever Family: Legal Frameworks for Pet Custody and Ownership Disputes in Family Law and Civil Context (10:50 – 11:20)

analyzing the new-ish Family Law Act provisions addressing ownership, possession, and care of companion animals
reviewing the "best interests of all concerned" standard and the factors courts consider when determining pet custody (e.g., why joint access/sharing often fails)
strategies for drafting, negotiating, and enforcing pet custody clauses in agreements and court orders
examining dispute resolution tools, including mediation, single issue arbitration, and collaborative processes for resolving pet-related conflicts
reviewing emerging case law and practical considerations for counsel in family and civil practice

Stephanie L. Fabbro, KC — Hamilton Fabbro, Vancouver
V. Victoria Shroff, KC — Shroff Animal Law and Adjunct Professor of Animal Law, Peter A. Allard School of Law, UBC, Vancouver

Fur-ther Developments: Animal Tracks in Human Rights Law (11:20 – 11:50)

an introduction to human rights law and its intersection with animals
a dive into seminal and recent human rights cases that (in)directly impact animals in services, housing, and employment
takeaways and resources to navigate the intersection

Amber Prince — BC Human Rights Tribunal, Vancouver

From Resource to Rightsholder: Legal Transitions for Animals in Research and Wild Animals (11:50 – 12:20)

an overview of:
- international legal momentum to transition away from using animals in research
- international legal momentum for according rights to wild animal
a comparative assessment of Canadian developments in these two areas
scholarly optimism in animal law

Professor Maneesha Deckha — Faculty of Law, UVic, Victoria

Q & A and Closing Comments (12:20 – 12:30)

V. Victoria Shroff, KC — Shroff Animal Law and Adjunct Professor of Animal Law, Peter A. Allard School of Law, UBC, Vancouver