Animal Protection: From Property Rights Towards Legal Capacity?
István Hoffman
Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest , Hungaryhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-6394-1516
Bernadette Somody
Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest , Hungaryhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1602-108X
Abstract
This article examines the evolution of animal protection law from its traditional foundations - anchored in the property-based conception of animals as objects - towards more complex contemporary regulatory models. Through a comparative analysis of European legal systems and the overarching EU and ECHR frameworks, the study explores how administrative, environmental, and criminal law interact in shaping the legal status of animals. Special attention is given to the Hungarian system, highlighting persistent anthropocentric structures and emerging doctrinal tensions. The paper situates these developments within broader debates on vulnerability, equal protection, and the potential constitutional recognition of animals' fundamental rights.
Keywords:
animal protection, administrative law, biodiversity, right to health and healthy environment, legal system, comparisonSupporting Agencies:
National Research, Development and Innovation Office (Hungary)AI use statement:
Artificial intelligence assistance (Microsoft Copilot) was employed exclusively for grammatical editing and stylistic refinement of the manuscript. All substantive content, including the analysis and conclusions, was developed solely by the authors.References
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Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6394-1516
