Protection Of Animal Interests Within The Framework Of Human Rights

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Authorities ..................................................................................... xiii

Abbreviations ............................................................................................ xviii

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: THE RELATION BETWEEN HUMAN RIGHTS AND ANIMAL RIGHTS

2.1 Humans, Other Animals, and Their Rights .......................... 7

2.1.1 Origin of Human Rights ................................................. 10

2.1.2 Origin of Animal Rights ................................................ 18

2.2 Theoretical Bases of Animal Rights ................................... 23

2.2.1 Welfarism ....................................................................... 24

2.2.2 Abolitionism .................................................................. 26

2.2.3 New Welfarism .............................................................. 28

2.2.4 Mixed Theory ................................................................. 29

2.2.5 Virtue Ethics .................................................................. 31

2.3 Compatibility of Animal Rights with Human Rights ......... 33

2.3.1 Equality .......................................................................... 35

2.3.2 Dignity ........................................................................... 37

2.3.3 Autonomy ...................................................................... 38

2.3.4 Fairness .......................................................................... 39

Chapter 3: LEGAL STATUS OF ANIMALS: DOMESTIC AND GLOBAL APPROACHES

3.1 Discussions in Constitutional Law ..................................... 43

ix

3.1.1 United States .................................................................. 44

3.1.2 Brazil .............................................................................. 45

3.1.3 Germany ......................................................................... 48

3.1.4 India ............................................................................... 49

3.2 Discussions in Criminal Law ............................................. 50

3.2.1 United Kingdom ............................................................. 51

3.2.2 Israel ............................................................................... 54

3.2.3 Canada ............................................................................ 56

3.2.4 Norway ........................................................................... 59

3.3 Discussions in Private Law ................................................ 60

3.3.1 United States .................................................................. 62

3.3.2 New Zealand .................................................................. 64

3.3.3 Austria ............................................................................ 65

3.3.4 The Netherlands ............................................................. 67

3.4 Discussions in International Law ....................................... 70

3.4.1 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) ....................................................... 71

3.4.2 Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) ............................................. 74

3.4.3 International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW)................................................................................. 77

3.4.4 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) ........................................................................... 81

3.5 Animal Rights Activism and Its Impact on Legislation ..... 83

3.6 Future of Animal Rights ..................................................... 87

x

Chapter 4: HUMAN RIGHTS VERSUS ANIMALS AND ANIMAL RIGHTS DEFENDERS

4.1 Animals in Entertainment ................................................... 92

4.2 Hunting ............................................................................... 94

4.2.1 Canned Hunting ............................................................. 94

4.2.2 Hunter Harassment Laws ............................................... 96

4.2.3 Expropriation of Land for Hunting ................................ 97

4.3 International Trade in Animals ........................................... 99

4.4 Cruel Industry Practices and Slaughter ............................ 105

4.4.1 Force-feeding ............................................................... 105

4.4.2 Animal Labor ............................................................... 108

4.4.3 Slaughter of Animals for Food ..................................... 110

4.5 Taking Care of Companion Animals ................................ 112

4.6 Taking Care of Homeless Companion Animals ............... 115

4.7 Media Coverage of Animals ............................................. 129

4.7.1 Defamation Cases Against the Press ............................ 130

4.7.2 Animal Crushing .......................................................... 131

4.8 Cultural, Religious, and Ethical Stances on Animals ....... 133

4.8.1 Animal Sacrifice as a Cultural Practice ....................... 133

4.8.2 Religious Rituals Involving Animals ........................... 135

4.8.3 Vegetarianism and Veganism as Conscientious Choices ...................................................................................... 141

4.9 Animal Rights Movement and Activism .......................... 144

4.9.1 Access to Information Regarding Animals .................. 145

4.9.2 Exposing Animal Abuses in the Industry ..................... 146

Chapter 5: Conclusion ................................................................................ 151

Bibliography ............................................................................................... 163