Animals as Legal Persons

Animals as legal persons is a legal concept where animals are granted certain rights and protections similar to those of humans, recognizing their capacity to have interests that deserve legal consideration. Instead of just being property, some laws acknowledge animals' intrinsic value, allowing them to hold rights—such as protection from cruelty or in legal disputes. This shift aims to improve animal welfare by treating animals as having a status that respects their well-being and inherent dignity within the legal system.