The International Research Group on Animal Law (GRIDA) was established in January 2007 as a research unit within the Department of Juridical Sciences at the Université du Québec à Montréal by Martine Lachance. GRIDA’s goal is to define a modern, legal approach to issues of animal security and welfare by promoting the interests of animals through the legal systems of Canada and Quebec to facilitate reflection and discussion about the legal status and welfare of animals. GRIDA organizes and hosts research exchanges and initiatives in related fields that engage one or more scientific disciplines in dealing with the rights and welfare of animals.,