Chimp now has rights as Non Human Person
 

Cecilia the Chimp has spent a long time in dreadful conditions in the Mendoza Zoo Argentina.
Now a judge has ruled that she has rights as a "Non-Human Person". She will be removed as a result, and will live out her days in a Primate sanctuary.

The President of The Association of Officials and Lawyers for Animal Rights (AFADA) says that: "The Habeas Corpus recognition means that the animals are not things anymore".......

http://www.seeker.com/zoo-chimp-has-...083850453.html

It is possible that this ruling will set a precedent which may lead to better treatment of many animals.

Great story and great news! A milestone in human consciousness perhaps?

The way 'we' treat animals .... 'We' thought much the same about black African slaves at one time.

Dreaming of a compassionate world ....

Yes, the horrific treatment of those African people, taken as slaves....the treatment of many Native and Aboriginal people....and at one time, even the treatment of women (who were considered as 'property' not so very long ago!) Such things are unthinkable now. Although of course, nothing is perfect, and disharmony still exists.

Maybe one day we will view the treatment of our brothers and sisters of other species the same way.

Court rulings like this are landmarks for changes in consciousness. It seems the logic of the "Law" can be powerful in bringing about change. Legal precedents are very important and carry a great deal of weight.

It makes me wonder if some judges are inspired by something 'behind the scenes'.....?

Good comments above. I'm so glad you started this thread, Tobi! This ruling is important from a legal standpoint, as other countries may well follow Argentina's lead. Mind you, the real change will come when people stop talking about "owning" animals. Some people used to say that they "owned" slaves....

"We may judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals," says Judge Mauricio quoting the words of philosopher Emmanuel Kant

Well, I'd say we have a pretty good idea of Judge Mauricio's heart after that!

A light in the darkness.