They Think. They Feel. The Law Calls Them “Things.”

For centuries, the law has viewed nonhuman animals as "things" with no rights of their own.

Elephants, chimpanzees, and other autonomous animals are individuals with complex lives, needs, and interests of their own. Yet for centuries, the law has viewed them as legal "things" with no enforceable legal rights or basic legal protections, leaving them defenseless from harm.

The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) is the only organization in the U.S. founded to address this legal blind spot. Leveraging existing legal principles, public values, and modern science, the NhRP brings litigation directly into courtrooms across the country—challenging centuries of legal precedent and fighting to secure fundamental rights for our animal clients.

Every groundbreaking legal fight starts by challenging what once seemed impossible. And every person who speaks up in support of our mission to secure basic legal rights for nonhuman animals helps show judges and decision-makers that it's time the law evolves to include and protect animals.

Add your name if you believe animals deserve fundamental legal rights and should no longer be viewed as mere "things" under the law.