ANIMAL
PEOPLE
is
the
leading
independent
newspaper
providing
original
investigative
coverage
of
animal
protection
worldwide.
Founded
in
1992, ANIMAL PEOPLE has
no
alignment
or
affiliation
with
any
other
entity.
French Justice Minister Domin-ique Perben in early May 2005 recommended
that the national civil code, drafted by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804, be
updated to recognize animals as “living and sentient beings,”
Agence France-Presse reported. Animals have long been protected from abuse
under the French criminal code, but only by extension of their property
status.
The Scottish Executive on May 16 introduced a bill to prohibit awarding
live animals as prizes, and to raise the minimum age for buying a pet
from 12 to 16. “The bill also contains provisions to help protect
against diseases such as hoof-and-mouth,” and “incorporates
tough measures to combat animal cruelty,” wrote Alan McEwen of The
Scotsman.
Canadian Justice Minister Irwin Cotler in mid-May introduced the fifth
attempt, by a series of governments, to update the federal anti-cruelty
code. The new draft bill reportedly includes broad exemptions for traditional
hunting and fishing practices, including seal-clubbing.
