Panel SA: USP group wants to introduce debate on animal rights

A study group on animal rights, from the USP Law School, will launch this month an introductory booklet with basic concepts of the subject.

According to the material, which addresses aspects studied for decades, the central claim of different aspects is that animals should not be considered property or natural resources for human purposes, but should be seen as subjects of law.

“The defense of animal rights is a movement that defends the inclusion of animals in the moral community and, therefore, the equal consideration of their interests, both ethically and legally. It is argued that human supremacy over animals is nothing more than a form of arbitrary discrimination, called speciesism”, says the booklet.

The material mentions the use of animals in testing commercial products, educational purposes and other uses, such as food, entertainment, clothing.

The booklet, coordinated by Professor Carlos Frederico Ramos de Jesus, an expert on the subject, will indicate sources of studies and point out judicial decisions on animal rights handed down by higher courts.
It will also bring a topic on the defense of animals in practice, with a step-by-step guide to denouncing animal rights violations.

The material does not directly address the issue of veganism, but provides a basis for discussion, says Ramos de Jesus.

According to him, the idea is that this is the first of a series of booklets, and the next editions will receive suggestions for new approaches beyond the members of Geda FDUSP, the study group that has been working on the topic.

“It is an attempt to introduce, to make it accessible. It is a gateway to this type of information, even for those who are not in the legal field”, says the professor.

Joana Cunha with andressa Motter and Paulo Ricardo Martins