Dog & Cat Bill of Rights
I was listening to a Joe Rogan podcast this morning and Marc Andresseen of Andresseen Horrowitz. The topic of AI intelligence and rights came up. Then, they started discussing whether computers, specifically AI computer systems, could have rights. Do they feel? Are they original beings with feelings?
Then the topic switched to animals other than humans. We are considering rights for computers but all animals need rights. So, I searched for a bit and someone in California was proposing a “Dog & Cats Bill of Rights” last year but I couldn’t find whether it passed or not.
I asked ChatGPT to write an animal bill of rights. This is the return.
I. All animals shall have the right to life, liberty, and freedom from cruel and inhumane treatment. (o.k., this sounds fair)
II. Animals shall have the right to receive proper food, water, and medical care. (hmm)
III. Animals shall have the right to be free from experimentation and testing that causes unnecessary suffering. (this sounds fair also but it begs the question of whether humans should be testing medications and other chemicals on themselves and, if not, how to do testing)
IV. Animals shall have the right to live in their natural habitats and to not be captured or removed from their homes without just cause. (fair but humans are almost everywhere)
V. Animals shall have the right to express their natural behaviors and to not be forced to perform in ways that cause distress. (Are we talking about pulling carts? Not sure how distress is defined)
VI. Animals shall have the right to have their welfare considered in all decisions that affect them, including those made by government, organizations, and individuals.
VII. Any violation of these rights shall be considered a criminal offense and shall be punished accordingly.
VIII. These rights shall be protected by law and shall not be infringed upon by any person, group, or entity.
IX. These rights shall be recognized and protected by all nations and shall be enforced by international law.
X. The recognition of these rights does not diminish the rights of humans, but rather serves to create a more just and compassionate society for all living beings.
