An Argentine court has recognised two goldfish as sentient beings with legal rights in a landmark ruling that animal rights advocates say could set a new legal precedent for the treatment of animals.
The case involved two goldfish, Fede and Magui, which were kept in a small glass display tank outside a sushi restaurant in Buenos Aires. The tank, exposed to direct sunlight and constant street noise, drew the attention of the animal rights organisation Jaulas Vacías (Empty Cages), which argued that the fish were living in conditions that amounted to animal cruelty.
The organisation filed a complaint under Argentina’s animal welfare law, contending that the fish were being mistreated and should no longer be treated as mere property under the law.
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The court ordered that the fish be removed from the restaurant and relocated to a more suitable environment. They are now living in a 2,500-litre aquarium at the home of aquatic specialist Carlos José Aga, who volunteered to care for them.
The court also ruled that Fede and Magui should be recognised as “subjects of law”, acknowledging them as sentient beings with legal rights rather than objects.
Animal rights lawyer Matías Trufero, who represented Jaulas Vacías, said the ruling is significant because it changes how animals can be viewed in future legal cases.
The decision does not make it illegal to keep goldfish as pets. However, Trufero said keeping fish in conditions that cause suffering, including inadequate space or poor care, can violate Argentina’s animal protection laws.
