Dear John,
On June 18th we learned that the Los Angeles Superior Court denied our habeas corpus petition on behalf of elephants Billy and Tina—refusing to grant them the full and fair hearing they deserve on whether they should be released to an elephant sanctuary.
The court acknowledged that Billy and Tina are autonomous, self-aware beings. But it failed to take the next logical and legal step: recognizing their right to be free from unlawful imprisonment, first in the Los Angeles Zoo and now in the Tulsa Zoo. NhRP Executive Director Christopher Berry shares more about the court’s decision—and what it means for Billy, Tina, and the future of elephant rights—in a new video: |
California’s highest court has made clear that when the law is outdated and unjust, it’s the court’s duty to evolve it. The L.A. Superior Court (the lowest level court) did not do this for Billy and Tina, but our fight for them is not over.
If you can, please consider donating to the Nonhuman Rights Project today to support our continued fight.
Thank you for standing with Billy and Tina–especially those of you who attended the rally in L.A. last Saturday! Your support makes a world of difference and we are proud to stand beside you as we stand together for justice.
Our heartfelt gratitude, The NhRP |