Advocates for Animals (law firm)

Advocates for Animals is a United Kingdom–based law firm specialising in animal protection law. Founded in 2019, it describes itself as the first law firm in the UK dedicated solely to advancing and enforcing legal protections for animals. The firm provides legal services to animal welfare organisations, campaign groups, activists, and individuals, and works across public, criminal, and civil law relating to animal welfare and protection.

History

Advocates for Animals was founded in 2019 by solicitors Edie Bowles and David Thomas, following their work together at the animal protection organisation Cruelty Free International. The founders established the firm in response to what they viewed as the under‑utilisation and inconsistent enforcement of existing animal protection laws in the UK.

The firm officially launched in March 2019 and operates as a not‑for‑profit law practice, with a stated mission of using litigation and legal processes to improve the interpretation and enforcement of animal welfare legislation.

Advocates for Animals is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as a recognised body law practice. Its registered office is in London, England.

The firm's work centres on the enforcement and development of animal protection law in England and Wales. Its areas of practice include judicial review, private prosecutions, freedom of information requests, public law challenges, and legal support related to undercover investigations and campaigning activities.

The firm has represented or advised a range of animal protection organisations and individuals on a range of animal protection issues including alleged failures by public authorities to properly implement animal welfare legislation.

Cases & campaigns

In 2024, Advocates for Animals represented The Humane League UK in proceedings before the Court of Appeal challenging the use of fast‑growing chicken breeds in commercial farming. The appeal was dismissed; however, the court acknowledged that breeding practices which cause animals to suffer as a result of their genetic characteristics are unlawful under existing animal welfare legislation.

In 2025, Advocates for Animals represented Animal Equality in a planning permission case concerning whether animal welfare may be taken into account as a material consideration in planning decisions. The case formed part of a broader legal debate on the consideration of animal welfare in planning law.

In 2025, on behalf of Animal Justice Project, Advocates for Animals won a private prosecution against calf traders who were caught abusing animals and admitted offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Cattle Identification Regulations 2007.

In 2026, acting for The Animal Law Foundation, Advocates for Animals was granted permission to seek judicial review of a regulatory change relating to poultry welfare, including rules concerning the handling of chickens during on‑farm operations.

See also

  • Animal law
  • Animal welfare in the United Kingdom