Ideas for Change: Legal Protections for Animals

by Stephanie Feldstein · 2010-03-04 12:00:00 UTC
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This week, I'm blogging about each of the three Animals ideas that made it to the final round of the Ideas for Change competition. You have until March 12 to vote for up to ten ideas. The top ten will be presented to members of the Obama administration and will become the focus of grassroots campaigns to help turn each idea into a reality.

Today's Featured Idea: Provide Legal Protections for Animals Through the Animal Bill of Rights

The Animal Bill of Rights was drafted by the Animal Legal Defense Fund to recognize the fact that animals, as sentient beings, deserve more protection than, say, your couch. The Bill of Rights would also tighten the weak spots and close up the loopholes of existing animal laws.

There are some arguments for legal rights for animals that make me uneasy (and with good reason), but  ALDF's Bill of Rights has my vote. Their proposal grants protection to animals without sacrificing people's ability to continue to provide reasonable care for the animals in their lives. Instead of making sweeping generalizations that could have unintended consequences, it focuses on making sure that the unique needs of different species are met, both physically and psychologically.

The Animal Bill of Rights has six parts (you can find detailed explanations of these tenets on ALDF's website):

  • The right of animals to be free from exploitation, cruelty, neglect, and abuse.

  • The right of laboratory animals not to be used in cruel or unnecessary experiments.

  • The right of farm animals to an environment that satisfies their basic physical and psychological needs.

  • The right of companion animals to a healthy diet, protective shelter, and adequate medical care.

  • The right of wildlife to a natural habitat, ecologically sufficient to normal existence and self-sustaining species population.

  • The right of animals to have their interests represented in court and safeguarded by the law of the land.

Best of all, I believe it's all possible. ALDF has not only laid out protections that would significantly improve the lives of animals, but they've done so in a reasonable way that can — and should — be implemented tomorrow.

Right now, Provide Legal Protections for Animals Through the Animal Bill of Rights is in the Top 10 ... cast your vote to keep it there!

Photo credit: Lisa

Stephanie Feldstein is a Change.org Editor who has been part of the animal welfare and rescue community for over a decade, and most recently worked for an environmental organization.
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