Typically radical concepts take root within the large, so-called progressive states and finally make their technique to the far corners of the republic, to locations like Louisiana.
We hope that doesn’t occur with one loopy notion that has them speaking in New York: a lawsuit to free a zoo elephant based mostly on a writ of habeas corpus.
An outfit referred to as The Nonhuman Rights Challenge is described on its web site as “the one civil rights group in the US devoted solely to securing the rights of nonhuman animals.” We’ll take their phrase on that.
The group paraded into court docket in New York on behalf of Completely satisfied, an elephant who has resided on the Bronx Zoo for greater than 40 years. The lawsuit contended that the elephant was entitled to the identical rights as an individual and needs to be moved from the confinement of the zoo to an elephant sanctuary.
New York’s Court docket of Appeals sensibly rejected all that foolishness, declaring that habeas corpus writs are designed to guard “the freedom proper of human beings.” The 5-2 ruling would hardly be a shock, although taxpayers in New York might surprise in regards to the soundness of the 2 judges who dissented.
We hate to consider what authorized actions is likely to be filed within the courts of Louisiana if the Nonhuman Rights Challenge ever takes root right here. Litigation to forestall alligators from sacrificing their hides for belts and purses? A lawsuit by Valerio the jaguar, who chewed his manner out of his cage on the Audubon Zoo in 2018? A category motion on behalf of crawfish awaiting their destiny in an enormous metallic pot?
And what if the courts resolve that nutria, who’re gnawing by way of marsh grasses regardless of the efforts of hunters and U.S. Rep. Garret Graves of Baton Rouge, foremost anti-nutria statesman on the planet, deserve a stage enjoying area?
Right here in Louisiana, we’re generally challenged to guard the constitutional rights of our human inhabitants. Let’s consider getting that proper earlier than we fret over animals.