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| US chimpanzee Tommy 'has no human rights' - court | US chimpanzee Tommy 'has no human rights' - court |
| (10 days later) | |
| A chimpanzee is not entitled to the same rights as people and does not have to be freed from captivity by its owner, a US court has ruled. | |
| The appeals court in New York state said caged chimpanzee Tommy could not be recognised as a "legal person" as it "cannot bear any legal duties". | The appeals court in New York state said caged chimpanzee Tommy could not be recognised as a "legal person" as it "cannot bear any legal duties". |
| The Nonhuman Rights Project had argued that chimps who had such similar characteristics to the humans deserved basic rights, including freedom. | The Nonhuman Rights Project had argued that chimps who had such similar characteristics to the humans deserved basic rights, including freedom. |
| The rights group said it would appeal. | The rights group said it would appeal. |
| Owner pleased | Owner pleased |
| In its ruling, the judges wrote: "So far as legal theory is concerned, a person is any being whom the law regards as capable of rights and duties. | In its ruling, the judges wrote: "So far as legal theory is concerned, a person is any being whom the law regards as capable of rights and duties. |
| "Needless to say, unlike human beings, chimpanzees cannot bear any legal duties, submit to societal responsibilities or be held legally accountable for their actions.'' | "Needless to say, unlike human beings, chimpanzees cannot bear any legal duties, submit to societal responsibilities or be held legally accountable for their actions.'' |
| The court added that there was no precedent for treating animals as persons and no legal basis. | The court added that there was no precedent for treating animals as persons and no legal basis. |
| In October, the Nonhuman Rights Project had argued that chimpanzees should be recognised as "legal persons" and therefore be given the right to liberty. | In October, the Nonhuman Rights Project had argued that chimpanzees should be recognised as "legal persons" and therefore be given the right to liberty. |
| The group said on Thursday it would appeal against the court verdict in New York's highest court. | The group said on Thursday it would appeal against the court verdict in New York's highest court. |
| Tommy's owner, Patrick Lavery, said he was pleased with the outcome, according to the Associated Press. | Tommy's owner, Patrick Lavery, said he was pleased with the outcome, according to the Associated Press. |
| Tommy - who is believed to be about 40 years old - is a former entertainment chimp. He was given to Mr Lavery about 10 years ago. | Tommy - who is believed to be about 40 years old - is a former entertainment chimp. He was given to Mr Lavery about 10 years ago. |