ANIMAL VOICES: DEEP DIVE INTO ANIMAL WELFARE JURISPRUDENCE

AUTHOR – ANGILA VERMA, STUDENT AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL, AMITY UNIVERSITY, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

BEST CITATION – ANGILA VERMA, ANIMAL VOICES: DEEP DIVE INTO ANIMAL WELFARE JURISPRUDENCE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (7) OF 2025, PG. 543-555, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

          The evolving relationship between humans and animals has prompted an urgent re-evaluation of the legal and moral obligations owed to non-human life forms. The dissertation undertakes comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of animal welfare within legal systems, focusing on the transformation of jurisprudential thought, legislative frameworks and judicial interpretations, both in India and globally. It interrogates the adequacy of existing laws and policies in addressing the sentience, suffering and inherent dignity of animals.

          At its core, the research explores the dichotomy between animal welfare and animal rights, mapping the philosophical underpinnings of each. Particular emphasis is placed on concept of animal sentience and the moral standing of animals, which are increasingly being recognized in legal frameworks across jurisdictions and serves as the foundational basis for extending moral and legal consideration to animals.

          The dissertation delves deep into the religious perspectives, evolution of the welfare laws and the overall debate of legal personhood. In the Indian context, the dissertation critically evaluates statues examining their legislative histories, institutional mechanisms and judicial interpretations. Landmark judgements such as Animal Welfare Board of India v. Nagaraja and Karnail Singh v. State of Haryana are analysed for their jurisprudential advancements, particularly in recognizing animals as sentient beings and even granting them legal personhood. Simultaneously, the dissertation highlights the shortcoming of these laws and progressive approach of the judiciary in paving way for advanced animal rights theory.

Keywords: animal welfare, animal rights, legal personhood, jurisprudence, cruelty