Activists want Chimp declared a "Person"

[Axlfreek]

By WILLIAM J. KOLE - Associated Press Writer

VIENNA, Austria(AP) In some ways, Hiasl is like any other Viennese: He indulges a weakness for pastry, likes to paint and enjoys chilling out watching TV. But he doesn't care for coffee, and he isn't actually a person _ at least not yet.

In a case that could set a global legal precedent for granting basic rights to apes, animal rights advocates are seeking to get the 26-year-old male chimpanzee legally declared a "person."

Hiasl's supporters argue he needs that status to become a legal entity that can receive donations and get a guardian to look out for his interests.

"Our main argument is that Hiasl is a person and has basic legal rights," said Eberhart Theuer, a lawyer leading the challenge on behalf of the Association Against Animal Factories, a Vienna animal rights group.

"We mean the right to life, the right to not be tortured, the right to freedom under certain conditions," Theuer said.

"We're not talking about the right to vote here."

The campaign began after the animal sanctuary where Hiasl (pronounced HEE-zul) and another chimp, Rosi, have lived for 25 years went bankrupt.

Activists want to ensure the apes don't wind up homeless if the shelter closes. Both have already suffered: They were captured as babies in Sierra Leone in 1982 and smuggled in a crate to Austria for use in pharmaceutical experiments. Customs officers intercepted the shipment and turned the chimps over to the shelter.

Their food and veterinary bills run about $6,800 a month. Donors have offered to help, but there's a catch: Under Austrian law, only a person can receive personal donations.







I've got four words for all of you: PLANET OF THE APES

[GNRreunioneventually]

i'm not gonna be ruled by those DAMN DIRTY APES




seriously though these people are dumbasses

[Izzy]

How very odd......

[mrlee]

How very odd......

least its not dolphin marriage 

[GNRreunioneventually]

How very odd......

least its not dolphin marriage?

thats a god point

dolphin + chimp = Rosie O'dollald

[Where is Hassan Nasrallah ?]

funny
i read an article, very good one, about that matter.
how a LOT of thinkers, sociologist, are starting to wonder if *great apes* should be integrated into the "Human Community".
They put forward many details on how some great apes can feel pain, empathy, and many *advanced* human feelings ...

The article> http://www.monde-diplomatique.fr/2007/02/FRANCIONE/14423

it's in french tho ...? but was written by Gary L. Francione, professor at Rutgers University School of Law, Newark (New Jersey, Etats-Unis).


his site tho : http://www.animal-law.org/

[Genesis]

I thought we already have animal rights? Not enough for some people, I suppose...

[25]

I thought we already have animal rights? Not enough for some people, I suppose...

Did you bother to read the article? It's not about giving the animal rights, it's about cashing those damned dirty donations.

[DarkFairy]

Planet of the Apes 

*sits on a beach and screams* Damn you!!... Damn you all to hell!!*

[Axlfreek]

somebody forward this to Charlton Heston 

[Bodhi]

ahhh yes this is a worthy cause.....of all the things going on in the world......

[Dr. Blutarsky]

I think this is how it all starts. Is the ape's father Roddy McDowall?   

[SLCPUNK]

Filthy Apes!

[Timothy]

Filthy Apes!

yeah. those damn dirty bastards.

[Dr. Blutarsky]

I'll bet Dr. Zaius has a paw in this.

[SLCPUNK]

I'll bet Dr. Zaius has a paw in this.

That was one in vogue orangutan........always dressed to the nines.

[2112]

I want activists declared chimps.

[CheapJon]

I want activists declared chimps.

reminds me of a line in a murderdolls song called 197666

"in 197666 i killed an animal rights activist, becuase animals they aint got no rights, that's right"