I believe that animals are not property — they are individuals with unique personalities; some are even considered best friends, loyal companions, and beloved members of our families. Animals have the capacity to feel joy, pain and to create strong relational bonds. A chair can’t do that.
But in too many ways, our laws regard animals as though they were simply things — rather than living beings with inherent rights and interests of their own. And deprived of adequate legal protection, animals are defenseless against exploitation and abuse.
I support the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s legal efforts to establish comprehensive legal protections and basic rights for all animals in our society.
Sincerely,
