Toward Animal Liberation - The New Anti-Cruelty Provisions in Canada and Their Impact on the Status of Animals

Authors

  • Lyne Letourneau

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/alr1350

Abstract

There has been a progressive change in western philosophical thought regarding animals. While animals were once regarded as objects, valuable solely in relation to their use to humans, there is now a substantial movement to recognize animals as inherently valuable and deserving of the same moral status as humans. Thus change in attitude is not reflected in amendments to the Criminal Code anti-cruelty provisions. Vie new provisions recognize that animals have the capacity to feel pain. However, the provisions do not protect animals independently of the benefits that animals provide to humans. Still categorized as property, animals do not share the moral status of humans. Further, under the new provisions, animals do not have legal rights. Therefore, despite changes in the law regarding animals, no animal liberation is taking place.

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Published

2003-04-01

Issue

Section

Forum: Bill C-10 and the Place of Animals in Canadian Law