David Bilchitz
Professor, University of Johannesburg
Professor, University of Johannesburg
Director, South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional, Public, Human Rights and International Law (SAIFAC)
Secretary-General, International Association of Constitutional Law
I am interested both in the philosophical underpinnings of the recognition of animal rights as well as the legal implications of such entitlements. I have written on the need to change the status of animals in the law in post-apartheid South Africa and why their rights should be protected in the Constitution. I have also written on making meaningful sense of the notion of 'unnecessary suffering' through engaging with the doctrine of proportionality as well as on cases that have arisen in South Africa that engaged animal interests. I am also an active advocate for improved animal welfare and have actively engaged with government authorities to re-draft better laws for animals.