No one knew it at the time, but these trailblazing animal rights lawsuits–and other NhRP lawsuits that would soon follow on behalf of a total of eighteen clients–would open the courtroom doors to animals in a way that had never been done before. The ripple effects continue to this day.
Now, judges are rejecting as unjust and outdated the idea that legal rights are only for humans. They’re granting hearings to animals to determine the lawfulness of their imprisonment and considering animal rights for the first time. They’re recognizing animals as rights-holders and taking courageous stands against animals’ rightlessness when the majority rules the other way.
And that’s only inside the courtroom. Thanks to your support for the NhRP’s unique mission and work, our clients’ stories have reached billions of people with their message of hope for a just future for animals —individuals who suffer, love, mourn, communicate, plan, remember, and need and want to live freely just as we do.
Inspired in part by the NhRP’s cases, legislative bodies are introducing first-of-its-kind animal rights legislation. Just this year, a US city passed the first law in the country recognizing the legal right of an animal. Thousands of people have gotten involved in the fight for nonhuman rights, including people who used to work in animal-exploiting industries and have seen firsthand why animals need real, lasting legal change.
John, the past decade of progress has been possible because you’ve been on our side—supporting our clients and challenging the legal status quo that sees animals as “things.” And, thanks to your support, this is just the beginning of what we can do together.
To celebrate our 10 year anniversary, a generous donor has agreed to match donations up to $20,000. These funds will be crucial in planning our 2024 campaigns to secure fundamental rights for nonhuman animals—paving the way for the years of progress to come. Will you make a gift to build a just future for nonhuman animals?
