Can I be sued by my dog?

We often consider our pets to be family members. In divorce or separation proceedings, when the court has to decide who gets the dog, the decision is often couched in terms of the welfare of the animal. But just because the law recognizes the animal’s interest in having a good life does not mean the family dog can take someone to court.

The German Animal Protection Act stipulates that no one without reasonable grounds may harm an animal or cause it to endure pain or suffering, spelling an affirmative obligation on humans to protect the interests of animals. Animals, in this sense, have rights. However, the enforcement of these rights relies on human representatives acting on the animal’s behalf.

In my research, I explore the details of representing animal rights and examine the various solutions already adopted by other countries.

Felix Aiwanger 
is a senior research fellow at the Institute. 
He studies the status of animals under the law, among other things. 
More on Felix Aiwanger and his research can be found here.