UK To Give Animals Powerful "Bill of Rights", While Unborn Humans Have None

EWTN ^ | 5/1/02

[marshmallow]

LONDON, (LSN.ca) - The British government is working on legislation to give dogs, cats, and other house pets and circus animals a legal bill of rights which would hold owners liable to prosecution if the rights are violated. The Sunday Times reports that Elliot Morley, an environment minister is drawing up the proposals with the help of The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

In a speech today Morley will announce the proposals. "We need to modernise the law by setting minimum standards for the animals in our care. We have an obligation to treat animals in the way that a civilised society expects," he said.

The RSPCA has proposed "five freedoms" to be adopted for all pets and circus animals. They say the animals should be entitled to: Freedom from hunger and thirst - enough good food and water to keep them healthy. Freedom from discomfort - comfortable cages or resting areas. Freedom from pain, injury and disease - and rapid veterinary treatment if they are ill. Freedom to express normal behaviour - so they have enough space and company. Freedom from fear and distress - treatment that avoids mental suffering.

Morley commented on the proposals saying: "These criteria have been discussed by government advisers. They are widely accepted and easily understood."

[marshmallow]

The PETA Principle.

The collective insanity presently enveloping the western world makes fascinating though tragic viewing.

[ladtx]

First thing you know they won't be able to identify them by color either. Wouldn't want to be accused of animal hate speech.

[Maceman]

I don't have any problem with enacting animal cruelty laws -- but framing them as "rights" is a dangerous and bad idea.

[marshmallow]

It is indeed.

Does an animal have a "right" not to be slaughtered and used as meat in my hamburger?

[Bigoleelephant]

Just wait.

[anniegetyourgun]

More evidence of a world gone mad.

[joesnuffy]

Emerging New Law Specialties
Court appointed animal advocates
Lawyers and the state split the fees, fines, and awards

[joesnuffy]

Of course given the predilictions of my ex-wife's lawyer
If the client is porquine
I can just imagine the nature of attorney/client privilege

[joesnuffy]

Of course given the predilictions of my ex-wife's lawyer
If the client is porquine
I can just imagine the nature of attorney/client privilege

[Ancesthntr]

If the British idea of rights for their animals is anything like human rights, then their pets are in for a bunch of trouble. They'll have to register their teeth and claws, and most of them will later have to turn them in to the local constabulary. Of course, none of this will occur without the local corrupt bureaucracy exacting a large fee for these services.

All in all, the animals would probably be better off hopping aboard a ship bound for the New World. Their descendants will thank them, as has been the case with their human counterparts.

[lowbridge]

The RSPCA has proposed "five freedoms" to be adopted for all pets and circus animals. They say the animals should be entitled to: Freedom from hunger and thirst - enough good food and water to keep them healthy. Freedom from discomfort - comfortable cages or resting areas. Freedom from pain, injury and disease - and rapid veterinary treatment if they are ill. Freedom to express normal behaviour - so they have enough space and company. Freedom from fear and distress - treatment that avoids mental suffering.

They're positively looney tunes.

[Khepera]

This is what happens when you do not eat meat... ya go crazy!

[lowbridge]

This is what happens when you do not eat meat... ya go crazy!

I think they did eat meat. The problem is that they got a hold of "mad cow" meat.

[realpatriot71]

I agree with you. We definitely need tougher animal cruelty laws in this country. I think about it like this, if a person skins alive a puppy or a child, obviously the child is much more important to the family and society (the child also ACTUALLY has REAL rights), but does this make either act anymore henious or vile? NO! Put those who are cruel to animals away.

Animals don't have "rights," but should be treated in a civilized manner. Giving animals "rights" is quite troubling indeed.

[EdReform]

BTTT