Welcome to the New Zealand Animal Law Association - NZALA

Improving the lives and welfare of animals through the legal system

The New Zealand Animal Law Association is a coalition of lawyers, law students and law graduates working to improve the welfare and lives of animals in New Zealand. 

Legislative reform of Animal Law

Since 2014, we have advocated for and on behalf of animals throughout the country. Some of our work has included:

  • Applying for judicial review of codes of welfare and regulations issued under the Animal Welfare Act 1999;

  • Engaging in private prosecutions for breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 1999;

  • Filing complaints with Parliament’s Regulation Review Committee about codes of welfare;

  • Commissioning and publishing legal research on issues involving animals, including rodeo and farmed animal welfare;

  • Engaging with animal welfare stakeholders, such as attending regular meetings with the Ministry for Primary Industries and National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.


We are also proud partner to other organisations – both in New Zealand and abroad – that fight for the interests of animals. If you are a practicing lawyer, law graduate or law student who cares about the lives and treatment of animals in Aotearoa, we invite you to become a member and help us give a voice to the voiceless.

Join us?

If you are a lawyer or law student and would like to be involved, get in touch with us today for more information.