Access to Justice for Animals

Animals have virtually no access to justice. But there is a route for animal advocates to have a voice in the courtroom. Organizations or individuals who are not actually parties to cases are sometimes allowed to participate as interveners, or friends of the court. Animal Justice Canada has used this opportunity and been very active as an intervener in the last few years. For example, it intervened in the British Columbia Court of Appeal case concerning Gary Charbonneau’s film Vancouver Aquarium Uncovered. This presentation will explore Mr. Charbonneau’s case, and consider how Animal Justice’s strategy is contributing to access to justice for animals.