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Full-Text Articles in Animal Law
Demons & Droids: Nonhuman Animals On Trial, Gerrit D. White
Demons & Droids: Nonhuman Animals On Trial, Gerrit D. White
PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas
Nonhuman animal trials are ridiculous to the modern sensibilities of the West. The concept of them is in opposition to the idea of nonhuman animals—entities without agency, incapable of guilt by nature of irrationality. This way of viewing nonhuman animals is relatively new to the Western mind. Putting nonhuman animals on trial has only become unacceptable in the past few centuries. Before this shift, nonhuman animal trials existed as methods of communities policing themselves. More than that, these trials were part of legal systems ensuring they provided justice for all. This shift happened because the relationship between Christian authorities and …
Overcoming Inertia To Deliver Sentience Policy Commensurate With Sentience Science, Claire Bass
Overcoming Inertia To Deliver Sentience Policy Commensurate With Sentience Science, Claire Bass
Animal Sentience
Rowan et al’s target article makes clear that meaningful change in policy and practice to protect animals has failed to progress in lockstep with scientific understanding of their sentience and needs. The underlying causes for inertia in political and practical progress for animals in the UK context are multi-faceted and complex, including economic forces; lack of cross-departmental accountability for animal welfare; and challenges where it suits conservation scientists to dismiss or downgrade the impacts of management decisions on individual animals. All of these influences and more must be understood and addressed if we are to deliver meaningful and timely protections …