As of 24 August England and Norther Ireland have a new law, the Pet Abduction Act 2024, under which the theft of a pet dog or cat can result in a five year prison sentence. I don't think the Act makes any particular reference to the sentience of a pet, but appears to acknowledge the emotional value of a pet. So, from that perspective, it may be a step along the path to having pets recognised as being more than just property.
That’s a really interesting Act. I recall discussing it with some British friends when it was proposed.
In some of the European jurisdictions, there are references to the sentience of animals, but to be honest, I am not sure how much practical difference these provisions make. For entirely different reasons (related to bees, don’t ask) I was looking at the French Code Civil yesterday. Art 515-14 of the Code Civil says: “Les animaux sont des êtres vivants doués de sensibilité. Sous réserve des lois qui les protègent, les animaux sont soumis au régime des biens.” (“Animals are living beings endowed with sentience. Subject to the laws that protect them, animals are subject to the property regime governing goods.”) Therefore - does it make a difference? Maybe it does in a custody dispute… I shall have to speak to some French lawyers to see.
As of 24 August England and Norther Ireland have a new law, the Pet Abduction Act 2024, under which the theft of a pet dog or cat can result in a five year prison sentence. I don't think the Act makes any particular reference to the sentience of a pet, but appears to acknowledge the emotional value of a pet. So, from that perspective, it may be a step along the path to having pets recognised as being more than just property.
That’s a really interesting Act. I recall discussing it with some British friends when it was proposed.
In some of the European jurisdictions, there are references to the sentience of animals, but to be honest, I am not sure how much practical difference these provisions make. For entirely different reasons (related to bees, don’t ask) I was looking at the French Code Civil yesterday. Art 515-14 of the Code Civil says: “Les animaux sont des êtres vivants doués de sensibilité. Sous réserve des lois qui les protègent, les animaux sont soumis au régime des biens.” (“Animals are living beings endowed with sentience. Subject to the laws that protect them, animals are subject to the property regime governing goods.”) Therefore - does it make a difference? Maybe it does in a custody dispute… I shall have to speak to some French lawyers to see.