Are animal rights protected by international law?

Animal rights are not explicitly protected by international law, although the laws that do exist set expectations for how animals should be treated and understood. International animal rights law exists in the form of conventions or agreements between countries, sometimes referred to as international conventions for the protection of animals. These agreements are not legally binding but are rather intended as a framework for countries to follow. The first is the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), which is the global body responsible for setting standards for animal welfare. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is another important agreement, which provides protection for species migrating between countries. Further, some countries, such as the United Kingdom, have signed the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW), which is a voluntary agreement that sets out guidelines for animal conservation and protection. It is important to note that international laws are not enforced in the same way as domestic laws. Domestic laws, such as those in Alaska, have more stringent regulations regarding the treatment of animals, including legal protections. In Alaska, animal rights are protected by the Alaska Statutes, which provide specific guidelines for care, handling, living conditions, and more. International laws exist mainly to set expectations for countries that choose to sign them – not to enforce them.

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