November News from the Nonhuman Rights Project
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

From Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP)
November 2013

[Also read Why the Animal Rights Movement Is Still a Contradiction in Terms]

One thing, however, that's important to understand: What happens in the trial court where we file the petition is just the start of the process. However the judge rules, the case is likely to be appealed to an appellate court and/or the state high court. If the judge rules against our plaintiff, we will certainly appeal. And most likely the "owner" will, too, if the ruling goes against him.

We're now just a few weeks from filing our first lawsuit. And while we can say publicly that our first plaintiff will be a chimpanzee, we hope you understand that we can't post any more information until the actual time when we file the petition in court. (The main reason is that the owner of this captive animal would be able to move her out of state and keep her hidden.)

But we'll send you an e-mail just as soon as we file the suit, and then we'll be able to keep you posted on what's happening as it all unfolds.

Once we file the suit, things could go in any number of directions. Since it's a habeas corpus petition, which is normally used to challenge the legality of detaining someone, the judge could move at once to hear the case. Equally, she could deny the petition without further exploration. Or she could schedule a hearing for some time in the future. As a habeas corpus petition on behalf of a nonhuman animal, this is all new legal territory.

One thing, however, that's important to understand: What happens in the trial court where we file the petition is just the start of the process. However the judge rules, the case is likely to be appealed to an appellate court and/or the state high court. If the judge rules against our plaintiff, we will certainly appeal. And most likely the "owner" will, too, if the ruling goes against him.

So it's at the appellate level that the most important ruling happens. And while there may be early reports in the media about the lower court ruling, bear in mind that the case isn't over until there's a ruling from the state high court.

And whatever happens at the appellate court, the decisions will be giving us some important pointers toward how we need to approach the next suits we file.

For updates, subscribe at Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP).

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