Kimberly Moore writes about the link between human rights and animal rights.
Nonhuman animals (animals) need all the help they can get in an
increasingly human-dominated world. The Anthropocene, often called "the age
of humanity," has anthropocentrically morphed into what I call
"the rage of
inhumanity," but the rapidly developing field of animal law promises to
bring positive change for animals.[1] This is among the many reasons why I am
pleased to have Kimberly Moore, an expert in animal law, answer a few
questions about her forward-looking and important book titled The Case for
the Legal Protection of Animals: Humanity’s Shared Destiny With the Animal
Kingdom in which she carefully presents the case for the legal protection
for animals based on humanity’s shared interests and destinies with the
animal kingdom—what harms "them" (other animals) also harms us.
Kimberly also writes about the link between human rights and animal rights
and explores the development of animal law and the trajectory of current
laws, with analysis of developing "rights of nature" laws and "legal
personhood" status for animals. Furthermore, Kimberly also discusses major
developments for animals across the globe, the objective being to
demonstrate how the United States is out of step with other major countries
in its legal treatment of animals. The importance of media as a driver of
change is also considered.
Marc Bekoff: Why did you write The Case for the Legal Protection of Animals:
Humanity’s Shared Destiny With the Animal Kingdom?
Kimberly Moore: There is a perception, albeit a false one, that animals are
adequately protected under U.S. law. This is not the case. In fact, the
United States lags behind its major trading partners when it comes to the
legal protection of animals. In recent decades, the legal landscape has
changed for animals around the world and new international norms are
emerging. Countries are overhauling their laws, judges are recognizing the
legal rights of animals in their opinions, and the public is demanding
greater protection for animals. At the same time, humanity continues to
inflict indescribable suffering and misery on sentient animals. The book
documents humanity’s treatment of animals and answers the questions of “why”
and “how” to legally protect animals.
I wrote the book to build the case for more meaningful legal protection for
animals in the United States—specifically, the recognition of animals as
holders of certain legal rights.
MB: How does your book relate to your background and general areas of
interest?
KM: I am a corporate tax attorney by trade but my interest in the area of
fundamental rights spans decades. I learned early on that the rights of
humans are inextricably linked to how we treat the natural world. In the
past decade, I have developed an expertise in animal law. This field has
exploded in the past two decades. Law schools now have animal law courses,
and there are law journals that focus exclusively on animal legal
protection.
My book brings a new perspective as to why the legal protection of animals
is critically important for both people and animals.
MB: Who do you hope to reach in your interesting and important book?
KM: The book is marketed by the publisher, Palgrave Macmillan, as a textbook
for law schools, universities, and other academic settings, but it is
written in layman’s terms, so it will also appeal to the general public. My
hope is that it will reach lawyers, policy analysts, lawmakers, and anyone
who is in a position to effectuate positive legal change for animals.
MB: What are some of the major topics you consider?
KM: The case for more meaningful legal protection of animals is built on
research that tells us that fundamental human rights are inextricably linked
to the rights of animals. The book describes this research and explains how
our treatment of animals has profound consequences for humanity. Global
crises, including climate change, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and
zoonotic diseases, are the direct result of humanity’s exploitation and
destruction of animals and their habitats. The world is still reeling from
the COVID-19 pandemic. Unless we change our exploitation of, and intrusion
into, the natural world, the future will bring more suffering and
uncertainty. The book also explores how the world’s food systems contribute
to hunger and water scarcity, and how violence against animals fuels
violence in society. Many readers will be surprised to learn that our
treatment of animals and their habitats also has implications for national
security. Challenges to legal reform, including the secrecy of politically
favored industries and political corruption, are also discussed.
MB: How does your book differ from others that are concerned with some of
the same general topics?
KM: The book is the first of its kind to make the case for meaningful legal
protection for animals in the United States. Internationally, legal
standards are evolving. New laws are being enacted by nations around the
globe in response to humanity’s growing understanding of the
interconnectedness of our world and the animal kingdom. A growing number of
countries are recognizing animals as intelligent and sentient beings. These
reforms are building the foundation for more promising legal changes in the
United States.
MB: Are you hopeful that as people learn more about legal efforts to protect
nonhumans they will come to understand how important it is to have lawyers
like you work on their behalf?
KM: I am most certainly hopeful for the future of legal rights for animals.
The past two decades have been a watershed moment for the legal status of
animals. As the public becomes aware of the suffering and misery that we
impose on animals, it is demanding more compassionate and just treatment of
animals. There is also growing recognition that legal rights are needed for
animals. In 2022, the United Nations passed a resolution recognizing that
the health and welfare of humans are connected to the health and well-being
of animals. This awareness of “oneness” is driving legal changes around the
world, and it is why the question is not “if” but “when” laws will change in
the United States. Of that I am certain.
References
In conversation with Kimberly Moore, a senior tax attorney at Pillsbury
Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in Washington, D.C., where she represents large
institutional investors. She is an expert on animal law and has represented
and advised animal protection organizations both in the United States and
abroad. Kimberly has also worked on state legislation to ban the manufacture
and sale of animal fur and is a fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal
Ethics in Oxford, England.
[1] The State of Australian Animal Law and What Needs Improving; Human
Imprisonment, Animal Captivity, Social Justice, and Law; How Animal Law
Applies to Many Areas of Mainstream Practice; Are Animals "Things?" The
Evolution of Animal Law; Saving Animals, Saving Ourselves: What Harms Them
Harms Us; The Link Between How We Treat Animals and Our Well-Being
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