Argentina court recognizes two goldfish as sentient beings with rights
Argentine Court Grants Sentient Status to Two Goldfish in Legal Precedent
Argentina court recognizes two goldfish as sentient – Located on the exterior wall of a trendy dining establishment within a fashionable district of Buenos Aires, two small goldfish resided in a glass display case. While most passersby might overlook them, the conditions inside the tank were far from ideal. The enclosure sat directly under the sun and was subjected to the constant hum of street traffic. This oversight eventually led to a significant legal victory for the pair, identified as Fede and Magui, who were officially recognized by an Argentine judge as sentient creatures possessing distinct rights.
The Legal Intervention by Jaulas Vacías
Matías Trufero, representing the anti-speciesism sanctuary Jaulas Vacías, highlighted the obvious distress of the aquatic animals. He noted that pedestrians observing the tank would immediately notice the poor environment. Consequently, the organization known as Empty Cages initiated legal proceedings, asserting that the housing conditions breached Law 14.346, which addresses animal cruelty within the country. With assistance from biological experts, the legal team presented a compelling argument that persuaded the judiciary to order an immediate relocation for the fish.
“Anyone passing by and stopping to look could see it wasn’t suitable for the fish,” said Matías Trufero, lawyer for the NGO Jaulas Vacías, an anti-speciesism sanctuary that houses more than 200 rescued animals.
