Rioplatense Animal Rights Conference

Animal Rights Rio de la Plata Regional Declaration 

November 15, 2024 

Aware of the evolution of legal thought and the growing scientific evidence on animal

consciousness, gathered in the Cambridge and New York Declarations on

Consciousness, recognizing the need for a paradigm shift in our relationship with

animals, and considering the aspiration to achieve a legal situation of greater animal

protection; the signing institutions, inspired by the evolution of law as a guiding

element in our lives, with the firm decision to work to improve the legal situation of

animals, declare the following:

Fundamental Principles:

• Towards a new category: Animals are sentient beings, therefore we have the

ethical obligation to take into account their interests as individuals, as well as to

eliminate the risks that threaten their well-being.

• Recognizing their intrinsic value and the need to build a legal framework that

protects them comprehensively, we declare that they deserve legal protection

that guarantees their well-being and dignity, overcoming the conception of

animals as things, still present in our civil codes.

• Inherent dignity: Every animal possesses inherent dignity and interests of its

own, which must be respected at all times, regardless of its species or usefulness

to humans.

• Prohibition of mistreatment: Every animal has the right to exist, not to suffer

mistreatment, acts of cruelty or abuse and to a death free from anguish.

• Freedom of movement: Animals have the right to freedom of movement in

their natural environment.

• Habitat protection: The right of animals to a suitable habitat that meets their

physical and psychological needs is recognized. The conservation of their

ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity will be promoted.

In the context of the Animal Rights Rio de la Plata Regional Declaration, "animal

welfare" is understood as an integral status that encompasses the physical and emotional

dimensions of the animal, recognizing its ability to experience sensations and emotions.

Applicable to all animals that inhabit national territories. There is no cultural exception

that enables animal abuse.

Procedural Guarantees:

Substantive animal rights require a minimum of adequate procedural guarantees to be

effectively defended and achieved, which include:

• Access to justice: In any judicial or administrative procedure involving an

animal, their access to justice and effective protection of their interests will be

guaranteed.

• Legal representation: The legal representation of animals will be carried out by

anyone who proves interest, even simple, including NGOs and animal protection

associations.

• Public instance: Crimes against animals must be of a public nature and

prosecuted ex officio when they come to the attention of the authorities.

• Consideration of feelings: In procedural measures that affect animals, their

psychological feelings will be considered, in addition to the physical, which

must be obligatorily contemplated when making decisions about their lives,

prolonged confinements and any situation that may cause them stress, anxiety or

permanent suffering.

• In Dubio Pro Animal Principle: In case of doubt about the impact of a

procedural measure on the welfare of an animal, the in dubio pro animal

principle will be applied, prioritizing their protection.

• Responsible custody: In cases where an animal must be removed from its

environment, a responsible custody will be guaranteed in shelters, sanctuaries or

homes that meet high standards of animal welfare.

• Damages: Recognize the right to claim and be compensated in their person and

by their own right for the damages caused to them.

• Commitment: The signing institutions are committed to:

• Promote the dissemination and application of this Declaration in all areas of

society.

• Promote the creation of legal norms and regulations that grant the rights

recognized herein.

• Encourage the training of lawyers specialized in animal rights.

• Work together with civil society organizations for the protection and defense of

animals.

Conclusion:

This Declaration represents a fundamental step in the construction of a more just and

compassionate society with animals in the Rio de la Plata region. We urge all social

actors to join this commitment and work for a future where animal rights are fully

recognized and guaranteed.

Subscribe:

Comisión de Derecho de los Animales del Colegio de Abogados del Uruguay, Pres. Dra.

Verónica Ortiz. (President of the Uruguay Bar Association Animal Rights Commission)

Instituto de Derecho Animal de la Asociación de Abogados de San Martín, Dir. Dra.

Lorena Laprebende, Vicedirector: Dr. Sergio Moragues. (Director and Vice-Director of

the San Martin Lawyers Association Animal Rights Institute)

Adherents: Dra. Lorena Laprebende, Dr. Sergio Moragues, Dra. Verónica Ortiz, Dra.

Alejandra Martínez Perdomo, Dra. Leonella Camejo, Fiscal William Rosa, ONG

"Campito Refugio", Vet. Adriana Noacco "Red Veterinarios en Catástrofes", Dra.

Leticia Krannichfeldt, Prof. Yolada Pocetti, Dra. Raquel Viglione, Dra. Mariana

Buffoni, Dr. Jorge Blasetti, Dr. Ricardo Velcoff, Dra. Eva Suait, Dra. Claudia Fornari,

Dra. Cintia Rosso, Fiscal Willian Rosa

15 November 2024, Salón Blanco del Congreso de la Nación, Ciudad de Buenos Aires,

Argentina.