DU Faculty Of Law Conference To Address Farmed Animal Welfare And Legal Reform

The Animal Law Cell at the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, drives scholarship and advocacy on animal rights and welfare within one of India's legal institutions. Established to foster engagement with legal issues affecting non-human animals, the Cell organises events, collaborates with experts, and conducts research aimed at legal reform and ethical change. Its inclusive community welcomes law students, academics, and anyone passionate about advancing animal welfare, providing professional development opportunities and a vibrant network for future advocates and policymakers.

The Cell is organising a academic conference, "From Silence to Sentience: Reimagining Justice for Farmed Animals", on August 19, 2025, at 1:30 PM in the Moot Court Hall, Umang Bhawan, Faculty of Law (New Building). The event is open to students, practitioners, animal rights advocates, policy makers, and all interested in building a just, ethical, and sustainable society where every sentient life is protected.

Key Achievements of the Animal Law Cell:

The Pet Shop Compliance Project is one of the Cell's achievements, uncovering cruelty and illegal practices in Delhi's pet shops through 34 field visits. Documenting violations such as unweaned puppy sales, unhygienic enclosures, unlicensed operations, and illegal trade in protected species, the report gained coverage in leading outlets, including The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, The Print, The Week, and Millennium Post, sparking public debate and calls for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws.

The Cell also pioneered the Dog Census Drive 2025, a detailed survey of stray dog populations across campus zones, and the Cat Census Initiative, the first systematic feline survey at the Faculty of Law. These projects provide vital data to guide humane management, vaccination, and sterilization programs, strengthening the implementation of animal welfare policies.

Event Concept & Significance

"Silence to Sentience" encapsulates the shift from indifference to the recognition of farmed animals' sentience and suffering. This conference highlights the urgent need for legal advocacy, offering participants the opportunity to build knowledge, networks, and skills relevant to animal law, policy, and sustainable innovation.

Distinguished Panel

• Adv. Varnika Singh: Legal Head, Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO). With 15 years' legal experience and dual LL.M.s in Animal Law (Lewis & Clark & NLU Bhopal), she has led landmark litigation and driven policy reform and training.
• Ms. Astha Gaur: Senior Policy Specialist, Good Food Institute India (GFI India). She leads regulatory efforts for smart protein and shapes food system policies in collaboration with FSSAI and startups.
• Prof. (Dr.) Anju Vali Tikoo: Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

Faculty Members:

• Prof. (Dr.) Sunanda Bharti, Law Centre – I, Faculty of Law (Convener)
• Dr. Sneh Yadav, Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law
• Dr. Bhupesh Rathore, Law Centre – II, Faculty of Law

Why Attend?

Arriving at a decisive moment when courts increasingly recognize animal rights and sentience, the conference will explore constitutional protections, regulatory frameworks, and actionable steps for change. Attendees will gain practical tools, knowledge, and connections to advance advocacy and pursue careers in animal law and related sectors.

Registration

Participation is free. Interested individuals may register at: https://forms.gle/4pmmgr4ybnXfjXpp7

Contacts

• Ankur Arora Student Convener 7706053640 Law Centre II, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
• Akshat Srivastava Student Coordinator 7307999761 Integrated Law Course, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
• Official Links https://linktr.ee/animallawcellfol | Concept Note

The Animal Law Cell stands committed to shaping the future of animal law in India, advancing legal protections and ethical standards for farmed animals through education, networking, and reform-oriented action.