Animals Gain Legal Protections in Spain
In a huge win for the Earth Law Movement, the Spanish Congress of Deputies recently declared that nonhuman animals (animals), including household companions and members of wild species, are sentient beings.
Animals in Spain will no longer be considered as “objects” by the law thanks to new legislation passed on Thursday by Spain’s lower house, the Congress of Deputies. From now on, animals will be treated as “sentient beings,” and as such will have a different legal standing than an inanimate object. They will no longer be able to be seized, abandoned, mistreated or separated from one of their owners in the case of a divorce or separation, without having their wellbeing and protection taken into account.
Earth Law advocates for ecosystem rights to exist, thrive, and evolve—and that Nature should be able to defend its rights in court, just like people can.
This holds true as much for non-human animals as for rivers and forests. Despite decades of environmental protection, Earth’s health continues to decline. Earth Law takes the view that Nature is not just a source of free resources for humans but entities deserving of being considered subjects in the eyes of the law. This gives them protection in the courts and consideration when decisions impact their life and well being. National recognition of non-human animal rights helps rebalance the human-Nature relationship such that we legally care not just about humans but about all life who call Earth home.
Evolution of the Lobster
Did you know? During the mid to late 1700’s, plentiful lobster supplies meant prisoners, apprentices, slaves and children routinely ate lobster while in Massachusetts, some servants allegedly sought to avoid lobster-heavy diets by including clauses in their contracts that they would only be served the shellfish twice a week.
Today, the UK government recognizes octopuses, squids, crabs and lobsters as sentient beings as part of a new law proposed (which already includes all vertebrates). Driven in large part by a new report from the London School of Economics about sentience amongst invertebrates, cephalopod mollusks (octopuses, squids and cuttlefish) and decapod crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimp and crayfish) — will now be included on the list of sentient beings, which means considering their welfare in future government decisions.
Other Examples of Animal Protections
In the U.S., Oregon is the only state so far to specifically cite animal sentience in its laws, in 2013. However, politicians from U.S. states including New York, Massachusetts and Nevada are currently advocating through proposed legislation a greater recognition of animals' intrinsic worth when they are harmed.
Many groups continue to work tirelessly for the welfare of animals. People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) continues working to prevent animal abuse. The Nonhuman Rights Project has secured the world’s first habeas corpus hearings on behalf of nonhuman animals in their chimpanzee and elephant rights cases. There are many additional groups working to recognize rights of animals.
Earth Law Center’s work in partnership with elders from the Lummi Nation to free an orca named Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut (also known as Tokitae) upholds the same worldview on animal sentience and their inherent rights.
ELC’s ecocentric approach has always included animals, including farmed animals. Going vegan is another way to respect animals.
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