Animal Law Express 2026

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

About the Course Chair
Victoria Shroff, KC, is recognized as BC's longest-serving animal law lawyer and notably the only animal law practitioner in Canada appointed King's Counsel (KC). Practicing for over 25 years at Shroff Animal Law (Shroff & Associates), Vancouver's longest running animal law firm, she leads in both the practice and teaching of animal law. Shroff is adjunct professor at UBC's Allard School of Law and Capilano University, where she developed Canada's first paralegal course in animal law. Her diverse caseload includes companion animals, wildlife, "death row" dogs, fur farming and horse cases, and she has handled "pet custody"/ownership cases for over 25 years. She provided input on BC's proposed family law reforms recognizing companion animals as more than bare property in custody disputes (BC Gov News https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PREM0001-000036| CBC https://youtu.be/_LXxaSZM48g?si=_Ttzj_Br1Q58SFxp)   

Shroff is author of a leading textbook, Canadian Animal Law (LexisNexis 2025, link), described as the "go to," animal law book, with a Foreword by Catherine Fraser, AOE, CJ, former Chief Justice of Alberta. Voted one of Canada's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers, she spearheaded Canada's first pro bono animal law clinic, represented animals at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada and is founding-chair of the national Canadian Animal Law Study Group. She is appointed to the CBA's Truth and Reconciliation committee, is a member of Global Animal Law, and an Associate Fellow of the UK's Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. A dedicated educator, Shroff created the Paws of Empathy animal law program for elementary schools (Vancouver Sun). Her trailblazing work has earned her multiple honours, including the SEEDS and Hitachi Excellence awards, YWCA Women of Distinction finalist recognitions, and a commendation from the Premier of BC, the CBA, and UBC. A mentor, global lecturer, TEDx speaker (YouTube), and frequent media contributor, Shroff continues to make significant strides in advancing animal law in Canada. She enjoys year-round ocean swimming and time with her human and furry family.

Faculty
David B. Clements — City Prosecutor, City of Vancouver, Vancouver
Professor Maneesha Deckha — Faculty of Law, UVic, Victoria
Stephanie L. Fabbro, KC — Hamilton Fabbro, Vancouver
Andrea I. Greenwood — Legal Counsel, BC SPCA, Vancouver
Alexandra Janse — Senior Crown Counsel, BC Prosecution Service, Kamloops
Amber Prince — BC Human Rights Tribunal, Vancouver

Click here for full faculty bios

• review of topical case law and sentencing trends in animal cruelty

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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