Universal
Declaration of Animal Rights
"I enforce my own rights but need help"
photo of feral cat by Wabana
What is the Universal
Declaration of Animal Rights? Is it being treated seriously?
There are various forms of this declaration, it seems. Some are "home
made". But do we need it? I have set out two texts below.
A declaration of animal rights is useful, yes. But only at the
beginning, before the legislation is written. That I submit is the
natural order of things. There are now many countries with very well
drafted animal welfare law (see for example the Animal
Welfare Laws in Sweden).
It could be argued that the time for declarations has passed and
effective laws are now needed. Those countries which have ineffective
law or no law at
all can simply adopt and adapt the Swedish
legislation. If they
want to introduce it gradually that's fine; adopt the law accordingly.
If the country likes the Universal
Declaration of Animal Rights it can be recited or referred to in the
preamble to their new Act. But the world has moved on and
we need laws not simply declarations. Declarations proclaim
intent
while the enforcement of effective laws is the conversion of intent
into action.
I love animals and had never heard of a declaration concerned with
animal rights until today (late 2008). Yes, it has value
but much more value can be gained from good and enforced animal welfare
law. There
needs to be a greater will to enact it in those countries where the
correct mentality is sadly lacking. It is usual to find a lack of
animal rights accompanying a lack of human rights. In the same way
animal cruelty precedes and accompanies violence against people. This
shows how animals are closely linked to humans.
All countries need animal welfare law. Why? Humans are a species of
animal although lots of people can't get their minds around that. We
need to treat fellow animals properly from a moral standpoint and
morals precede laws. In any event domestic animals improve our lives
and wild animals are useful to us. Lets work in harmony with animals.
Update 24th
August 2010: declawing
cats for non-therapeutic purposes is clearly a breach of
Article 3 of the declaration.
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There appears to be various
versions. Here is a version of the Universal
Declaration of Animal Rights:
Preamble:
Considering
that Life is one, all living beings having a common origin and having
diversified in the course of the evolution of the species, -
Considering that all living beings possess natural rights, and that any
animal with a nervous system has specific rights,
Considering
that the contempt for, and even the simple ignorance of, these natural
rights, cause serious damage to Nature and lead men to commit crimes
against animals,
Considering
that the coexistence of species implies a recognition by the human
species of the right of other animal species to live,
Considering
that the respect of animals by humans is inseparable from the respect
of men for each other,
It
is hereby proclaimed that:
Article
1
All
animals have equal rights to exist within the context of biological
equilibrium. This equality of rights does not overshadow the diversity
of species and of individuals.
Article
2
All
animal life has the right to be respected.
Article
3
- Animals must not be subjected to bad
treatments or to cruel acts.
- If it is necessary to kill an animal, it must
be instantaneous,
painless and cause no apprehension.
- A dead animal must be treated with decency.
Article
4
- Wild animals have the right to live and to
reproduce in freedom in
their own natural environment.
- The prolonged deprivation of the freedom of
wild animals, hunting and
fishing practiced as a pastime, as well as any use of wild animals for
reasons that are not vital, are contrary to this fundamental right.
Article
5
- Any animal which is dependent on man has the
right to proper sustenance
and care.
- It must under no circumstances be abandoned
or killed unjustifiably.
- All forms of breeding and uses of the animal
must respect the
physiology and behavior specific to the species.
- Exhibitions, shows and films involving
animals must also respect their
dignity and must not include any violence whatsoever.
Article
6
- Experiments on animals entailing physical or
psychological suffering
violate the rights of animals.
- Replacement
methods must be developed and systematically implemented.
Article
7
Any
act unnecessary involving the death of an animal, and any decision
leading to such an act, constitute a crime against life.
Article
8
- Any act compromising the survival of a wild
species and any decision
leading to such an act are tantamount to genocide, that is to say, a
crime against the species.
- The massacre of wild animals, and the
pollution and destruction of
biotopes are acts of genocide.
Article
9
- The specific legal status of animals and
their rights must be
recognised by law.
- The protection and safety of animals must be
represented at the level
of Governmental organizations.
Article
10
Educational
and schooling authorities must ensure that citizens learn from
childhood to observe, understand and respect animals.
Here is the version of the Universal
Declaration of Animal Rights on the Uncaged
website:
"Inasmuch as there is ample evidence that many animal species are
capable of feeling, we condemn totally the infliction of suffering upon
our fellow creatures and the curtailment of their behavioural and other
needs save where this is necessary for their own individual benefit.
"We do not accept that a difference in species alone (any more than a
difference in race) can justify wanton exploitation or oppression in
the name of science or sport, or for use as food, for commercial profit
or for other human gain.
"We believe in the evolutionary and moral kinship of all animals and
declare our belief that all sentient creatures have rights to life,
liberty and natural enjoyment. "We therefore call for the protection of
these rights."
Universal
Declaration of Animal Rights to Cats and the Law
Source of the first declaration above - Universal
Declaration of Animal Rights:
http://www.ch-br.net/quatropatasecia/e/index.htm
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