Here are several articles on the subject.

 

Whaling & Dolphin Hunting Not About What's Being Killed But Who.

 

Scientists Say Dolphins Should Be Granted Non-Human Person Status.

 

A Declaration of Cetacean Rights! All Should Be Granted Right to "Life, Liberty & Wellbeing"

 

I find this a particularly fascinating subject. And though some will probably immediately dismiss it as a bunch of wacko hippies I think there is merit to the question of do animals with a level of self-awareness similar to humans deserve some kind of "special status".

 

There is even a group that has drafted a Cetacean Bill of Rights of sorts:

 

Based on the principle of the equal treatment of all persons;

Recognizing that scientific research gives us deeper insights into the complexities of cetacean minds, societies and cultures;

Noting that the progressive development of international law manifests an entitlement to life by cetaceans;

We affirm that all cetaceans as persons have the right to life, liberty and wellbeing.

We conclude that:

 

1. Every individual cetacean has the right to life.

2. No cetacean should be held in captivity or servitude; be subject to cruel treatment; or be removed from their natural environment.

3. All cetaceans have the right to freedom of movement and residence within their natural environment.

4. No cetacean is the property of any State, corporation, human group or individual.

5. Cetaceans have the right to the protection of their natural environment.

6. Cetaceans have the right not to be subject to the disruption of their cultures.

7. The rights, freedoms and norms set forth in this Declaration should be protected under international and domestic law.

8. Cetaceans are entitled to an international order in which these rights, freedoms and norms can be fully realized.

9. No State, corporation, human group or individual should engage in any activity that undermines these rights, freedoms and norms.

10. Nothing in this Declaration shall prevent a State from enacting stricter provisions for the protection of cetacean rights.

Thank you for the parenthesis lol.

 

I honestly don't know how I feel about this subject. I hate to see dolphins get hunted down and killed. Whales, don't really bother me as much.

Thank you for the parenthesis lol.

 

I honestly don't know how I feel about this subject. I hate to see dolphins get hunted down and killed. Whales, don't really bother me as much.

Lol...I thought it might help.

 

So would something along those rights for just dophins be something you could support?

I am all for protecting the "rights" of intelligent animals. However, it does raise a question as to whether granting such rights, serves to raise the sanctity of these animals, while also lowering that of human beings. It also leaves open the question of where the line is drawn.

Lol...I thought it might help.

 

So would something along those rights for just dophins be something you could support?

 

I honestly don't think that I would support it. It was like BF said, where do you draw the line once you open the door.

 

I'm all for protecting endangered species, but this is a little different. I'm not in favor of killing dolphins, but I don't think there should be a law against it either.

Human rights? No.

I am all for protecting the "rights" of intelligent animals. However, it does raise a question as to whether granting such rights, serves to raise the sanctity of these animals, while also lowering that of human beings. It also leaves open the question of where the line is drawn.

 

You know, I understand what you are saying - but there is also a lot of ammunition out there that would support those who feel that maybe the whales, dolphins, etc of the world are indeed smarter than humans. I mean, humans are the ones killing the planet, destroying the habitats and homes of the other beings, right? In what way are tha whales and dolphins, making the planet less livable for humans? I honestly do not know where I stand on this, just sayin........

Dolphins? Human Rights? I don't even want to give rights to the ones in Miami.

 

Seriously. NO!

You know, I understand what you are saying - but there is also a lot of ammunition out there that would support those who feel that maybe the whales, dolphins, etc of the world are indeed smarter than humans. I mean, humans are the ones killing the planet, destroying the habitats and homes of the other beings, right? In what way are tha whales and dolphins, making the planet less livable for humans? I honestly do not know where I stand on this, just sayin........

I agree. I wasn't taking a position on the questions I raised -- just saying that those questions exist.

I agree. I wasn't taking a position on the questions I raised -- just saying that those questions exist.

 

:thumb:

The query borders on the fantastical. To assert "rights" one must also assert "responsibilities" and equalize them. Do we then prosecute the orca for attacking the grey? Build underwater jails? We are arrogant to assume that cetaceans would even desire so-called "human rights."

I am all for protecting the "rights" of intelligent animals. However, it does raise a question as to whether granting such rights, serves to raise the sanctity of these animals, while also lowering that of human beings. It also leaves open the question of where the line is drawn.

 

You are just worried that crustaceans might be next and then you would be in trouble. :lol:

You are just worried that crustaceans might be next and then you would be in trouble. :lol:

Shhhh!!!! :sssh::sssh: :sssh:

The query borders on the fantastical. To assert "rights" one must also assert "responsibilities" and equalize them. Do we then prosecute the orca for attacking the grey? Build underwater jails? We are arrogant to assume that cetaceans would even desire so-called "human rights."

This sounds similar to how slaves have been viewed throughout history. Is it so arrogant to think that cetaceans might want to be free of captivity, have a desire to not be slaughtered, and free from cruelty?

This sounds similar to how slaves have been viewed throughout history. Is it so arrogant to think that cetaceans might want to be free of captivity, have a desire to not be slaughtered, and free from cruelty?

 

 

Considering all the sources you cited are from "treehugger.com" I feel as though they are idealistically biased.

 

 

My point is thus:

 

If they were truly sentient to the level that we are then there likely would have been an attempt to communicate with us or illustrate that they are not happy with us. As it is there is very little outside of the social organization of dolphins that indicates a true sentience.

 

Now the day they seem to exhibit some sort of organized resistance/response to humanity then I will take notice. Until then they are clever animals with similar genetic traits, much like apes and monkeys.