Animal protection in South Africa: the legal framework, 2026

Explore South Africa’s legal system as it relates to animals, from their status in law to the distinction between welfare and rights.

This course covers key legislation like the Animals Protection Act and NEMBA and dives into laws affecting companion animals, farmed animals, veterinary practice, and municipal regulations. Learn about pet ownership, stray animal policies, factory farming, and live export laws. A foundational course for understanding and applying animal law in various contexts.

When and where?

4 June 2026, 9:00 to 11:00 SAST

This course will be held remotely, most likely on Zoom.

Course outline

The following topics will be covered:

Introduction to Animal Law in South Africa

• The legal status of animals in South African law 
• Overview of animal welfare vs. animal rights 
• Constitutional considerations: Do animals have rights under the Bill of Rights?

Key legislation

• Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 
• Performing Animals Protection Act 24 of 1935 
• National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA)

Companion Animal Law and Regulations

• Pet ownership rights and responsibilities 
• Stray animals and municipal by-laws 
• Laws regarding breeding, sale, and euthanasia 
• Veterinary practice laws and the duty of care

Farmed Animals and Agricultural Regulations

• The welfare of animals in commercial farming 
• Factory farming and intensive animal agriculture 
• Live export laws and controversies
• Role of the Meat Safety Act

Who will benefit from this course?

Legal professionals (attorneys and advocates) and animal welfare professionals

Presenter

Lisa V. Thomas, a former criminal defence advocate and professional legal assistant in Durban, has a wealth of experience in both private and public law practice. Lisa earned her LLB from the University of Kwazulu-Natal (Howard College Campus), completed her pupillage, and was admitted as an advocate/barrister in 2008. A passionate advocate for humanity and ethics in the South African legal profession, Lisa is especially committed to supporting entry-level legal professionals. Lisa shares her extensive legal expertise through LinkedIn teaching posts, a mentorship and career coaching platform, and her legal academy. She also provides ad-hoc litigation training for legal professionals and is a presenter with SA Legal Academy, where she developed their candidate attorney short course. Guided by empathy and authenticity, Lisa is devoted to being a lifelong resource for aspiring legal professionals.

How much?

R1 100 per person

Certificate

A digital certificate of attendance from UCT will be issued to those who attend the full course.

Please note that the digital certificate can only be viewed on a secure portal. It cannot be downloaded or printed. You will have the option of ordering a hard copy of the certificate at your own cost, including the cost of the courier fee. More information is available here.

SIGN UP HERE: Animal protection in South Africa: the legal framework | UCT Law at Work