Solidarity as a Bridge towards Interspecies Justice?

Abstract

Abstract While bottom-up manifestations of solidarity vis-à-vis animals are thriving, acts of civic solidarity exercised through the law in a top-down manner are few and far between. This chapter explores the argumentative rationales and possible contours of a more fully fledged account of interspecies solidarity for and with other animals. It argues that civic solidarity through law is long overdue, as part of a reciprocal relationship (and considering that we have been free-riding on animals’ labour for centuries) and to stabilize growing discontent about how we treat other animals. Though the precise content of civic solidarity vis-à-vis animals is yet to be determined, critical drivers include enabling clauses, the freezing of subsidies (most patently subsidies for animal products), divestment, the introduction of fundamental rights that protect animals from the encroachment of state action and those of third parties, and their positive rights to protection, provision, and participation. As part of this quest for pro-solidaristic interspecies laws, this chapter also argues for social rights to which animals are entitled including, notably, workers’ rights and related rights, such as the right to leisure time, right to maternity and parental leave, healthcare provisions, access to services of general economic interest, and a recognition of animals as agents who are themselves entitled to environmental and consumer protection.