In a ruling that could disrupt goldfish tanks all around the world, a court in Argentina has concluded that they are sentient beings with rights.
The People report documenting the stunner explained the ruling will help protect “other fish kept in conditions that amount to cruelty.”
The two fish at the center of the legal battle now have been “rescued” from a display tank at a sushi restaurant in Buenos Aires, the report said.
The report said, “According to CNN, the goldfish, named Fede and Magui, had been living in a roughly 40-liter (about 10.5-gallon) glass tank mounted on the side of a sushi restaurant, where they were exposed to direct sunlight, traffic noise and the elements.”
Shouldn’t be allowed, charged Jaulas Vacias and Empty Cages, an animal sanctuary organization, who brought the case.
Lawyer Matías Trufero complained, “Anyone passing by and stopping to look could see it wasn’t suitable for the fish.”
The fight was over Argentina’s Law 14.346 that actually bans animal abuse and cruelty.
The plaintiffs, with or without the approval of the goldfish, demanded the court declare them to be “subjects of law,” or sentient beings with legal rights.
Yes, said the court.
So Fede and Magui were removed from the restaurant and relocated to a 2,500-liter (about 660-gallon) aquarium at the home of Carlos José Aga, an expert who volunteered to care for them, the report explained.
Reuters reported the decision is thought to be one of the first in Argentina to specifically recognize fish as sentient beings deserving of legal protection.
So now the precedent there is that fish who cannot advocate for themselves will have someone to do it for them.
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[ H/T WorldNetDaily ]
