Preamble:
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 unnecessary 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.