Universal Declaration of Animal Rights

The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was solemnly proclaimed on October 15, 1978, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. It constitutes a philosophical stance on the relationship that must now be established between the human species and other animal species.

This philosophy, based on the latest scientific knowledge, expresses the equality of species in the face of Life. It offers humanity the rules of a biological ethic. The idea of universal egalitarianism is not new: it is recognized in civilizations much older than Western civilization and in religions very different from the Judeo-Christian religions.

But this ethic needed to be expressed clearly and firmly in today's world, which is already too troubled, threatened with destruction, and where violence and cruelty are exploding at every moment. While humans have gradually established a code of rights for their own species, they have no special rights with regard to the universe. He is, in fact, only one of the animal species on the planet, and one of the most recent to appear.

Life does not belong to the human species; man is neither its creator nor its exclusive owner; it belongs just as much to fish, insects, and mammals as it does to plants.

Humans have created an arbitrary hierarchy in the living world that does not exist naturally, taking into account only their own use. This anthropocentric hierarchy has led to speciesism, which consists of adopting a different attitude towards different species, destroying some while protecting others, declaring some “useful” and others “harmful” or “ferocious,” reserving ‘intelligence’ for humans and granting animals only “instinct.” It is speciesism that has led humans to believe that animals do not suffer as they do, when in fact everything we currently know shows that they suffer physically just as we do, and that their thinking, linked to the presence of a centralized nervous system, is much more sophisticated than neuroscience currently suggests, which leads them to suffer psychologically as well. These abilities give animals special rights compared to plants.

The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights should help humanity find harmony with the universe. Its purpose is not to return us to the lifestyle of primitive tribes. It is a step towards bringing humans to respect life in all its forms for the good of the entire biological community to which they belong and on which they depend. It is in no way intended, nor should it result in, forgetting the fight against human misery, moral or physical suffering, rampant selfishness, political internment, and torture. On the contrary, it is clear that ensuring respect for animal rights necessarily means ensuring respect for human rights, as the two are inseparable. The Universal Declaration therefore offers humanity a philosophy, a biological ethic, and a moral code of conduct, leading it, through reflection and deep awareness, to rediscover its place among living species and to reintegrate itself into the natural balance, a fundamental condition for its own survival.

This means that the human species must change its current way of thinking and renounce anthropocentrism, as well as all zoolatric behavior, in order to finally adopt a conduct and morality centered on the defense of Life and give priority to biocentrism. It is in this sense that the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights constitutes an important step in the history of human intelligence and morality.

Universal Declaration of Animal Rights

Preamble :

Considering that Life is one, all living beings having a common origin and having differentiated themselves during the evolution of species,

Considering that every living being has natural rights and that every animal with a nervous system has specific rights,

Considering that contempt for, or even simple ignorance of, these natural rights causes serious damage to Nature and leads humans to commit crimes against animals,

Considering that the coexistence of species in the world implies recognition by the human species of the right of other animal species to exist,

Considering that respect for animals by humans is inseparable from respect for humans among themselves,

The following is hereby proclaimed :

Article 1

All animals have equal rights to existence within the framework of biological balance. This equality does not obscure the diversity of species and individuals.

Article 2

All animal life has the right to respect.

Article 3

No animal shall be subjected to mistreatment or cruel acts.

If the killing of an animal is necessary, it must be instantaneous, painless, and not cause distress.

Dead animals must be treated with dignity.

Article 4

Wild animals have the right to live freely in their natural environment and to reproduce there.

Prolonged deprivation of liberty, hunting and fishing for leisure, and any use of wild animals for purposes other than vital ones are contrary to this right.

Article 5

Animals kept by humans have the right to attentive care and maintenance.

They must not be abandoned or killed without justification.

All forms of animal breeding and use must respect the physiology and behavior specific to the species.

Exhibitions, shows, and films using animals must also respect their dignity and not involve any violence.

Article 6

Animal experimentation involving physical or psychological suffering violates the rights of the animal.

Alternative methods must be developed and systematically implemented.

Article 7

Any act that unnecessarily causes the death of an animal and any decision leading to such an act constitutes a crime against life.

Article 8

Any act that compromises the survival of a wild species and any decision leading to such an act constitutes genocide, i.e., a crime against the species.

The slaughter of wild animals, pollution, and the destruction of biotopes are genocides.

Article 9

The legal personality of animals and their rights must be recognized by law.

The defense and protection of animals must have representatives within government agencies.

Article 10

Education and public instruction must lead humans, from childhood, to observe, understand, and respect animals.

The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was solemnly proclaimed in Paris on October 15, 1978, at UNESCO Headquarters. Its text, revised by the International League for Animal Rights in 1989, was made public in 1990.