The case was advanced to the courts
because a significant number of Americans felt that Tom and his siblings had
been severely mistreated over the years. In fact some more radical voices
claimed that ever since Tom’s ancestors left their ancient dwellings they have
been discriminated against relentlessly. Their freedoms have been curtailed.
Their once “noble” status has been downgraded to the lowest form of
entertainers in many western countries.
Lawyer Steven Wise will lay out a
cause that is the culmination of 30 years of seeking rights for Tommy and his
family. Wise has been hired to show that Tommy is himself the ideal candidate
to demonstrate to the judges that long-term abuse is the common factor in how
they have been treated.
Do you remember when U.S. corporations
were made “legal persons” for purposes of taxation, political campaign
contributions and other oddities? That’s
the basis for Ms. Natalie Prosin to sponsor this unusual case in her capacity
as executive director of the Nonhuman Rights Project. You see Tommy is a chimpanzee.
She would like to use the testimony of primates expert, Jane Goodall, to secure
legal rights for animals in general, but more specifically for
Chimpanzees. Presumably, if the Albany,
New York court agrees, that could be extended to elephants and dolphins too.
Tommy, who has been kept in a cage by
his owner, needs rights for intelligent animals that are otherwise reserved for
humans. The chimp’s owner, Patrick Lavery, says Tommy lives in an expensive
enclosure while waiting his place at an animal sanctuary. Ms. Prosin is
unimpressed. The U.S. already has some of the most comprehensive animal
protection laws in the world, but lawyer Wise will be tasked to argue that chimps
need to be granted rights over their own bodies.
We, who are ardent animal lovers, agree that animals should be well treated. We are the people who keep zoos and
circuses on their toes, because we'd be outraged by filthy
cages or malnourished animals. Every Christian should see themselves as a minor
custodian of the earth and its resources. I argue though, that writing into law
for an animal that can’t speak, some personal legal status is a step too far.
The plethora of American legislation is
a terrible indication of the death of common sense in our society. If I understand correctly, this case could
award intelligent animals (and who gets to measure that,) the right to
withstand “imprisonment against their will.” To be blunt: no individual cages.
Yes, but what if it was a $150 000 cage? No cages! Well, what if Tommy likes
his cage and goes in there willingly? Oh, perhaps then an expert might be able
to say the law won’t apply to Tommy.
I think a victory in this case will put
an end to biomedical research on monkeys. Perhaps you think that is a good
thing. Can you just imagine though the court cases that will arise? All of this has come about because well-meaning
people have rejected the notion of us humans, being the custodians of the earth.
There’s been a 40 year campaign to reduce the value on human life to coequal
with all other animals. It’s just another affront to the Creator’s plan. Having
said that I do admit that sinful humanity has fallen far short of the stewardship
commission we were given.
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