Latvian parliament declares animals living, sentient beings

Latvia’s parliament, the Saeima, voted on Thursday to amend the Civil Law and establish that animals are living, sentient beings, LSM reported. The change follows a public petition signed by more than 35,000 people.

Rules governing property rights will apply to animals only where they are compatible with animals’ nature as living, sentient beings and with laws protecting them. The amendments retain animals’ status as objects of civil law. Animal protection is already covered by Latvia’s Animal Protection Law.

The petition was signed on the ManaBalss.lv public initiatives platform over two months. Its representative, Marta Mackeviča, said penalties for animal protection violations were too lenient and some cases did not reach court.

Veterinary and farming organisations opposed the amendments, saying their purpose was unclear and raising questions about how the status change would affect farm animals used for food production. The Saeima committee responsible for the matter said the amendments reinforce understanding of animals’ value rather than establish new liability.