PETA lawsuit seeks to expand animal rights

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A federal court is being asked to grant constitutional rights to five killer whales who perform at marine parks — an unprecedented and perhaps quixotic legal action that is nonetheless likely to stoke an ongoing, intense debate at America's law schools over expansion of animal rights.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is accusing the SeaWorld parks of keeping five star-performer whales in conditions that violate the 13th Amendment ban on slavery. SeaWorld depicted the suit as baseless.

some people have WAY too much spare time.

ETA: I mean the PETA freaks, not you.

Wouldn't the 13th Amendment prohibit PETA from enslaving themselves to their own bleeding hearts and need for attention?

AG, I am sorry, but your story made me LOL.

If the whales have the legal standing to be plaintiffs in this suit, then the one should also be indicted for murder.

c'mon Fitz! Manslaughter at most!

Wear hemp, not fur!

I would think any lawyer who is at least semi-competent would be able to blow holes all through PETA's case...

...but I think PETA is simply trying to orca-strate yet another publicity stunt.

Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe, who in past writings has proposed extending legal standing to chimpanzees, also expressed doubt that the courts were ready to apply the 13th Amendment to animals.

Similar to another Harvard Prof who decided that banks are evil(by using government approved disclosures).

The trial will need to be at seaworld because of the Sixth Amendment states, “In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right … to be confronted with the witnesses against him."

Ok Mr Orca talk.

and Hall and Oate's "She's a Maneater..." will be the background music Nancy Grace plays on every intro when she gets worked up about this important case...

As long as they don't say that cows are covered, I don't really care...just don't touch my ability to have a delectible, well done, tasty steak...

As I have mentioned, my dad is a veterinatian. I grew up around and loving animals and I am for the ethical treatment of animals, but this is an insult to the people that wrote one of the most important documents in history. I truly hope a judge chews them up and spits them out for wasting the courts time. If the animals are mistreated, there are legal means already in place to achieve their release. This is just stupid.

Turkey anyone?

Well said BB1.

I love animals. I believe they should be treated humanely. Do I think they are people? No. Simply put, there are rights and priveledges afforded to people that simply cannot and should not be afforded to animals.

As a vegetarian, (for health reasons, though,) I appreciate PETA for the vegetarian recipes they have available on their website. Otherwise? They are bat-sh** crazy.

Post of the day!

werd.

They're going to have a whale of a time getting this measure passed...

Seriously, very well done, Sir.

Well said!!!

And with that, "I'd rather go naked than wear fur."

Fixed

The trial would be a Sham - you all!

really fixed

<---- isn't Peepers!

Are you Sure?

Is today your birthday?

Again?

Good point AG.

As a male, (for obvious reasons,) I appreciate PETA for the ad campaigns featuring various attractive females in the nude. Otherwise? They are bat-sh** crazy.