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Animal Law Expert Explains How Increased Animal Rights Help Humans in New Book

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Kimberly Moore, an animal law expert, is releasing a book titled The Case for the Legal Protection of Animals: Humanity’s Shared Destiny with the Animal Kingdom. The book details the many ways that legal protections for animals will benefit humanity. Many animal law experts have become integral to the Animal rights movement for this reason. Strengthening legal protections that regulate how animals are treated has far-reaching impacts. Many of these impact humans as well as nonhuman animals. Moore explains the reason for this and argues that what harms nonhuman animals also harms humans.

Around the world, there is increasing awareness that animals are sentient beings with thoughts and feelings. However, factory farming, habitat destruction, and animal testing continue to infringe on the legal rights of animals. This treatment incorrectly categorizes them as “lesser”. All of these sectors contribute to the abhorrent mistreatment of animals.

In 2022, the United Nations formally acknowledged the importance of animals. Unanimously supported by all of the UN’s 193 member nations, the resolution publicly recognized the correlative impact that animal welfare has on sustainability and human health. However, despite this resolution, animals continue to suffer mistreatment. This is more pronounced in some countries, including the United States. Per capita, the United States is one of the world’s leading consumers of meat.

Moore points out that the United States lags behind other countries in terms of animal protection. Indeed, the United States is ranked near the bottom of the 2022 Voiceless Animal Cruelty Index. Only two countries were found to be worse for Animal rights. Those countries were Australia and Belarus, which were tied for last place. The index rated India and the United Republic of Tanzania as tied for the best countries for Animal rights.

Moore argues that by enacting stricter animal protections, the United States could help protect not only nonhuman animals but also humans. By protecting not only domesticated but wild animals, the United States could take significant steps toward addressing pressing issues facing humanity. These include climate change, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and the spread of zoonotic diseases.

An increasing body of evidence suggests that by treating animals cruelly, humanity is also inadvertently promoting cruelty towards our fellow humans. A 1997 study found that people who abuse animals are five times more likely to harm other humans. Studies have also shown that people employed at slaughterhouses suffer an increased risk of mental health issues. In addition, they may be more prone to exhibiting antisocial behaviors.

Increasing the legal rights of nonhuman animals would have a positive impact on both animal welfare and other aspects of society. By giving legal protections to those long left voiceless, we can help ensure that they are treated with kindness and compassion. Additionally, expanding the legal rights of animals can help humanity address some of the most pressing issues that determine our future.

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