The Uttarakhand High Court accorded the status of legal person or entity to animals in the northern state of India. The entire animal kingdom, including avian and aquatic ones, are declared as legal persons.
SAPTARSHI RAY: ‘An Indian court has ruled that all animals should enjoy the same rights as human beings, saying “they have distinct personas with corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a living person”. In a landmark ruling, the Uttarakhand High Court accorded the status of “legal person or entity” to animals in the northern state. Justices Rajiv Sharma and Lokpal Singh bestowed the status on “the entire animal kingdom” while ruling on a set of guidelines to prevent cruelty against animals… “The entire animal kingdom, including avian and aquatic ones, are declared as legal entities”, said the Uttarakhand court…
The court also declared all Uttarakhand residents the guardians of animals, and held them responsible to ensure their welfare and protection. “All the citizens throughout the state are hereby declared persons in loco parentis as the human face for the welfare/protection of animals”, it added… The judgment, which would need to be ratified by the national Supreme Court, is meant to act as a deterrent to poachers, companies that pollute the natural environment and those who abuse pets or wildlife… Under Indian law there are two types of legal “persons” — sentient human beings and “juristic persons” — such as minors, companies, trusts, wards of court, or people with mental incapacities. The ruling would put animals with the latter category’. SOURCE…
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