Animals get legal status in France

01juni2005
The French government will call a new law into existence. This law will give animals a legal status. The present French Middle-class code (Code Civil) is considered as aged in that respect, because animals are labelled as objects.
The effect of the law is a direct consequence of the administration of the present Minister of Agriculture. He wants to strengthen the legal protection of animals. Nowadays, the animal stands closer and closer to men. Either it is about the affection of comparative animals, or it is more about the philosophic vision that each living orphans earns respect.
The report, in which the necessary adaptations are made, has been worked out on instruction of the Minister of Justice already. The most important groups in this field (animal protection organizations, the professional sector, lawyers) will consult on this in the coming months.