Latvia Recognizes Animals as Living, Sentient Beings Rather Than Objects

Under the new provisions, animals can no longer be regarded solely as property with a monetary value in civil-law relations. Their lives and well-being are recognized as important values that deserve legal protection.

Andrey Judins, Chair of the Saeima’s Legal Affairs Committee, emphasized that the amendments reflect modern society’s ethical views on the treatment of animals.

What Will Change Under the Law?

The amendments establish the principle that animals are not objects, while maintaining their status as subjects of civil-law relations. Rules governing property rights will apply to animals only insofar as they do not conflict with the nature of animals as living, sentient beings or with legislation aimed at protecting them.

The amendments also clarify provisions of the Civil Law concerning damage caused by animals.

What Prompted the Changes?

The legislative initiative was prompted by a public petition titled “Legally Establish That an Animal Is Not Property but a Living Being.” More than 35,000 people signed the petition.

In Latvia, animal welfare is also regulated by a separate Animal Protection Law.

Recognizing animals as living, sentient beings in legislation is an important step toward more humane treatment. This principle emphasizes that animals’ lives and well-being have intrinsic value and must be taken into account when applying the law.