While courts have been hesitant to grant full personhood, the dialogue is shifting. In 2015, a New York judge granted a writ of habeas corpus to two research chimps, signaling a potential judicial willingness to recognize that some animals deserve rights previously reserved for humans. Similarly, countries like New Zealand and France have recognized animals as "sentient beings" in their constitutions and civil codes, a crucial step away from pure property status.
This scientific reality makes it increasingly difficult to justify "factory farming" or restrictive laboratory environments. If an animal can feel boredom, grief, or anticipation, then their "welfare" must include mental stimulation and social interaction, not just physical health. 3. Modern Challenges and Progress The Industrialization of Agriculture
