A Declaration of the Natural Rights of Animals

(Beth Clifton photo)

by Jean Pearson

Based on the concept of Natural Rights as found in the language of the Declaration of Independence: the Laws of Nature as granted by Nature’s God, the Rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness:

We believe these truths are self-evident, that all creatures are endowed by the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God with certain rights, according to their natures, and that it is incumbent upon humans not to treat other creatures in ways less beneficial to them than the ways of Nature.

We perceive that Animals have the following Natural Rights:

1. The Right of life
2. the Right of freedom of movement (particularly necessary for dogs and related canines)
3. The Right of companionship with like kind, or with those with whom there is good mutual understanding
4. The Right of access to natural, appropriate food and clean water
5. the Right of a home which offers protection from harm and danger
6. the Right of privacy
7. the Right of protection from detrimental captivity or experimentation
8. the Right to affectionate concern for their wellbeing
9. the Right to be treated with kindness
10. the Right of continuity

––Jean Pearson

Center for Understanding Nature and Animals

2225 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017

(610) 866-7513

http://www.centerfornatureandanimals.org/