The animal rights issue has been gaining increasing interest in contemporary society. The acknowledgement of animal sentience and the aspiration for a more compassionate coexistence have fueled the debate about the indispensability of protecting these living beings who share this planet with us.

In the European Union (EU), several laws have been implemented with the purpose of ensuring the safeguarding of animals and promoting their well-being. However, this process faces legal and ethical challenges, requiring a profound consideration of how to promote comprehensive legislation that truly embraces the interests and well-being of animals.

Within the European Union (EU), several laws have been established with the goal of ensuring animal protection and promoting their well-being. However, this process of granting rights faces legal and ethical challenges, demanding a deep reflection on how to enable comprehensive legislation that truly encompasses the aspirations and well-being of animals.

One of the major difficulties in protecting animal rights lies in the legal definition and recognition of their sentience. Despite significant advancements by the EU in animal protection through the establishment of regulations that prohibit cruel practices such as animal testing for cosmetic products and the confinement of animals, there are still legal gaps to be filled. For instance, issues related to hunting, fishing, and the transportation of animals continue to spark debates about the ethical boundaries of these practices and the need for more comprehensive regulation.

In addition to the legal challenges, this issue also raises complex ethical questions. For example, how do we find a balance between the right of animals to live freely in their natural habitats and human activities such as agriculture and scientific research? Statistics reveal that in the EU, approximately 9 billion animals are raised annually for food consumption, raising concerns about the welfare of these animals in intensive production systems. Such dilemmas require a careful examination of our ethical values, as well as a consideration of the trade-off between human benefit and respect for animal life and well-being.

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ― Mahatma Gandhi