Once, Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest humanist and philosopher of modern times, uttered remarkable words about the fact that the greatness of human society and its moral progress can be measured by how it treats animals. These remarkable words truly reflect the desire of rational humans to explore all the mysteries of our creation and to be imbued with understanding and compassion for beings similar to ourselves.
Today’s trends indicate that an increasing number of people and countries are giving importance to the ethical and legal aspects of relationships with animals and are striving to improve their well-being. AdmiGram.com welcomes these important initiatives and shares the most interesting and significant moments found in the legislation of countries worldwide in the context of animal protection and their rights. It is truly inspiring.
About animal rights in different countries
© simon peel / Unsplash
The Netherlands became the world’s first country without homeless animals due to the introduction of animal rights, high taxes on pets, strict punishments for mistreatment, and mass sterilization of animals. They also enacted a law on animal rights, prohibiting the use of wild animals in circuses since 2015.
New Zealand officially recognized in April 2016 that all animals are sentient beings. Criminal charges are brought against those who cruelly treat animals. Research and experiments on animals are prohibited. Any hunting and trapping of wild animals is illegal.
The United Kingdom first introduced a law protecting animals from cruelty in 1822, becoming the first country with such legislation. The British Parliament recognized the rights and freedoms of over 7 million dogs, 8 million cats, 650 thousand horses, 2 million rabbits, and numerous domestic birds, tightening the responsibility of owners for violating the law, including hefty fines and imprisonment.
Germany became the first country to include animal rights protection in its Constitution since 2002. Euthanasia of healthy animals is prohibited, a mandatory tax on pets is established, a system of state shelters with unlimited admission of animals is in place, and school lessons on proper treatment of animals are conducted.
Italy has established criminal liability for abandoned animals – a minimum of one year in prison and a fine of 10 thousand euros. Euthanasia of healthy animals is completely prohibited. In Turin, dog owners who walk their dogs less than three times a day face a fine of up to 500 euros. Italy also enforces strict restrictions, including a ban on dyeing pets’ fur for aesthetic reasons and the sale of goldfish in plastic bags.
© Jorge Maya / Unsplash
In Austria, it is considered a crime to keep chicks in tight cages and to tie domestic livestock with tight ropes. The use of wild animals in circuses is prohibited, and walking dogs on a chain or choke collar is also forbidden. Authorities have the right to seize an animal from its owner in case of cruelty or improper care. Violators of the law can be fined from 2,000 to 15,000 euros.
Spain became the first country to equate human and animal rights. This decision has significant implications for the development of ecological ethics and the global fight for animal rights, including areas such as hunting, circuses, fur farms, vivisection, and sport fishing. Similar laws are also being advocated in several other countries, including dolphins and other highly organized animals.
India became the first country to recognize the rights of dolphins, considering them as ‘non-human persons’ with individual rights granted to them. The country has imposed a ban on dolphinariums and the captivity of dolphins. Moreover, India became the first country in South Asia to prohibit the testing of cosmetics and its ingredients on animals.
Switzerland is a leading European country in the field of animal rights. Since 2008, the law provides protection for ‘lesser brothers’ in various situations, including divorce proceedings, where the interests of the animal are taken into account in the division of property, as well as cases of injuries, where the perpetrator may be required to pay for veterinary treatment.
Greece enacted an animal protection law in 2012 with several important provisions on microchipping and the creation of a database for all animals under the Ministry of Agriculture. Cruelty to animals is punishable here by imprisonment for up to 1 year and a fine of up to 15,000 euros. Animal theft is prosecuted by law and carries a prison sentence of up to 6 months and a fine of 3,000 euros.
image on top: Jorge Maya / Unsplash
