Given the last time the UDAR was updated was in 1989.  
We believe it is way past time it be brought up to date for the year 2011.

Let us first state the definition of "Sentience"

• we know that animals are sentient, that they feel pain and pleasure and that they have interests of their own 

       that have nothing to do with being a mere resource for humans.   Joyce Tischler - ALDF


What exactly makes human beings sentient and animals looked on as property, "not sentient"  Are we not intelligent 
enough now, in the 21st century.  To realize, that yes, like human beings, animals have all the 5 senses we do.
They see, hear, smell, taste and touch.  They bleed as we bleed, feel pain as we feel pain.  Not only physical,
but emotional as well.  They are Aware of themselves.  Are capable of emotions: anger, sadness, love, joy, 
happiness, grief.  They have minds that are intelligent, capable of learning, thinking, figuring out how to do things.
They have a language, just has we do.  Although we may not understand their language.  That does not make it
any less valid.  They, understand each other.  And it seems, often understand us and our language far better than
we are capable of understanding theirs.

And so it stands to reason.  That only the Arrogance of humanity, can justify "using", "owning", "looking upon" 
animals as property, to be done with however we choose.  The time has come for this to change.  Human beings
are not "Better" than "animals" .  We are merely Different.  And there is no longer a justification to interfere with
their right to life.

Hence we propose, the Revised Edition
Universal Declaration of Animal Rights

Preamble:

Considering that Life is one, all living beings having a common origin and having diversified in the course of the evolution of the species, - Considering that all living beings possess natural rights, and that any animal with a nervous system has specific rights,

Considering that the contempt for, and even the simple ignorance of, these natural rights, cause serious damage to Nature and lead humanity to commit crimes against animals,

Considering that the coexistence of species implies a recognition by the human species of the right of other animal species to live,

Considering that the respect of animals by humans is inseparable from the respect of people for each other,

It is hereby proclaimed that:

Article 1

• All animals have equal rights to exist within the context of biological equilibrium. This equality of rights does not overshadow the diversity of species and of individuals.
  

Article 2

• All animal life has the right to be respected.
  

Article 3

• 1°- Animals must not be subjected to bad treatments or to cruel acts.

• 2°- If it is necessary to kill an animal, it must be instantaneous, painless and cause no apprehension.

                Definition of Necessary (animal is sick or injured, that medical care cannot heal; animal is rabid; or in a case of self-defense)

• 3°- A dead animal must be treated with decency.
  

Article 4

• 1°- Wild animals have the right to live and to reproduce in freedom in their own natural environment.
  
• 2°- The prolonged deprivation of the freedom of wild animals, hunting and fishing practiced as a pastime, as well as any use of wild animals, are contrary to this fundamental right.
  

Article 5

• 1°- Any animal which is dependent on people has the right to proper sustenance and care.
  
• 2°- It must under no circumstances be abandoned or killed unjustifiably.
  

                Only Justifiable Reasons (animal is sick and cannot be helped medically)

• 3°- All forms of breeding and uses of the animal, will be considered unacceptable. Breeding is only necessary if to help
  

                save an endangered species survival.  Uses of animals of any kind are unjustifiable.

• 4°- No longer using animals in exhibitions, shows and films.  Any use of an animal must be agreed upon by

                that animals human companion, then they must be treated with respect, dignity, and absolutely no violence in any way shape or form.

Article 6

• 1°- Any and ALL Experiments on animals violate the rights of animals.
• 2°- Replacement methods must be developed and systematically implemented.
  

Article 7

• Any act unnecessarily involving the death of an animal, and any decision leading to such an act, constitute a crime against life.
  

          Definition of Necessary is definied in Article 3, Item number 2

Article 8

• 1°- Any act compromising the survival of a wild species and any decision leading to such an act are tantamount to genocide, that is to say, a crime against the species.

• 2°- The massacre of wild animals, and the pollution and destruction of biotopes are acts of genocide.
  

Article 9

• 1°- The specific legal status of animals and their rights must be recognised by law.

• 2°- The protection and safety of animals must be represented at the level of Governmental organizations.
  

Article 10

• Educational and schooling authorities must ensure that citizens learn from childhood to observe, understand and respect animals.

The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was solemnly proclaimed in Paris on 15 October 1978 at the UNESCO headquarters.
The text, revised by the International League of Animal Rights in 1989, was submitted to the UNESCO Director General in 1990 and made public that same year.

SIGN PETITION

I SUBMIT, THE NEWLY REVISED VERSION OF THE DECLARATION OF ANIMAL RIGHTS BE SUBMITTED TO UNESCO FOR 2011 

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