Considering that Life is one, all living beings having a common
origin and having diversified in the course of the evolution of
the species, - Considering that all living beings possess natural
rights, and that any animal with a nervous system has specific
rights,
Considering that the contempt for, and even the simple ignorance
of, these natural rights, cause serious damage to Nature and lead
men to commit crimes against animals,
Considering that the coexistence of species implies a recognition
by the human species of the right of other animal species to live,
Considering that the respect of animals by humans is inseparable
from the respect of men for each other,
It is hereby proclaimed that:
Article 1
All animals have equal rights to exist within the context of
biological equilibrium. This equality of rights does not overshadow
the diversity of species and of individuals.
Article 2
All animal life has the right to be respected.
Article 3
1°- Animals
must not be subjected to bad treatments or to cruel acts.
2°- If
it is necessary to kill an animal, it must be instantaneous,
painless and cause no apprehension.
3°- A
dead animal must be treated with decency.
Article 4
1°- Wild
animals have the right to live and to reproduce in freedom in
their own natural environment.
2°- The
prolonged deprivation of the freedom of wild animals, hunting
and fishing practised as a pastime, as well as any use of wild
animals for reasons that are not vital, are contrary to this
fundamental right.
Article 5
1°- Any
animal which is dependent on man has the right to proper sustenance
and care.
2°- It
must under no circumstances be abandoned or killed unjustifiably.
3°- All
forms of breeding and uses of the animal must respect the physiology
and behaviour specific to the species.
4°- Exhibitions,
shows and films involving animals must also respect their dignity
and must not include any violence whatsoever.
Article 6
1°- Experiments
on animals entailing physical or psychological suffering violate
the rights of animals.
2°-Replacement
methods must be developed and systematically implemented.
Article 7
Any act unnecessarily
involving the death of an animal, and any decision leading to
such an act, constitute a crime against life.
Article 8
1°- Any
act compromising the survival of a wild species and any decision
leading to such an act are tantamount to genocide, that is to
say, a crime against the species.
2°- The
massacre of wild animals, and the pollution and destruction of
biotopes are acts of genocide.
Article 9
1°- The
specific legal status of animals and their rights must be recognised
by law.
2°- The
protection and safety of animals must be represented at the level
of Governmental organizations.
Article 10
Educational and schooling authorities must ensure that citizens
learn from childhood to observe, understand and respect animals.
The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was solemnly proclaimed
in Paris on 15 October 1978 at the UNESCO headquarters.
The text, revised by the International League of Animal Rights
in 1989, was submitted to the UNESCO Director General in 1990 and
made public that same year.