Non-Human Animal Rights in International and EU Law

Abstract

In the last century animal welfare has started to receive increasing attention around the world. In order to meet the skyrocketing demand for animal products, the animal industry is mass-producing meat, dairy and eggs in intensive farms where animals live in terrible conditions before being slaughtered. Furthermore, scientific research has not moved away from experimenting on animals, and wild animals continue to be object of exploitation, an increasing number of wild species becoming endangered or even extinct. This work analyses the protection animals enjoy internationally, at the European Union level, and in some domestic constitutions and legislations, exploring how anthropocentrism and speciesism are reflected in legislations.

Today science tells us that at least many of the human-exploited animals are sentient beings who, just like people, can suffer, feel pain, and experience a vast variety of emotions. Many have a high level of intelligence, possess self-awareness, and are part of incredibly complex social structures made of family and friendship bonds not much different from those characterizing human societies. The philosophical case for giving animals inalienable rights to life, freedom, and freedom from torture will be presented, implying the need to stop exploiting animals all around the world at least when it comes to food production. Until this doesn’t happen, the law will continue to promote an injustice not very different from others such as racism and sexism.