,50 THE MINDS AND MANNERS 



regarded as representing the standards that have been fixed 

 by enlightened and humane civilization. 



The Wild Animals' Bill of Rights 



This Bill of Rights is to be copied and displayed conspicu- 

 ously in all zoological parks and gardens, zoos and menageries; 

 in all theatres and shows where animal performances are given, 

 and in all places where wild animals and birds are trained, 

 sold or kept for the pleasure of their owners. 



Article 1. In view of the nearness of the approach of the 

 higher animals to the human level, no just and humane man can 

 deny that those wild animals have certain rights which man is 

 in honor bound to respect. 



Art. 2. The fact that God gave man "dominion over the 

 beasts of the field" does not imply a denial of animal rights, 

 any more than the supremacy of a human government conveys 

 the right to oppress and maltreat its citizens. 



Art. 3. Under certain conditions it is justifiable for man 

 to kill a limited number of the so-called game animals, on the 

 same basis of justification that domestic animals and fowls may 

 be killed for food. 



Art. 4. While the trapping of fur-bearing animals is a 

 necessary evil, that evil must be minimized by reducing the 

 sufferings of trapped animals to the lowest possible point, and 

 by preventing wasteful trapping. 



Art. 5. The killing of harmless mammals or birds solely 

 for "sport," and without utilizing them when killed, is murder; 

 and no good and humane man will permit himself to engage 

 in any such offenses against good order and the rights of wild 

 creatures. 



Art. 6. Shooting at sea-going creatures from moving ves- 

 sels, without any possibility of securing them if killed or 

 wounded, is cruel, reprehensible, and criminal, and everywhere 

 should be forbidden by ship captains, and also by law, under 

 penalties. 



Art. 7. The extermination of a harmless wild animal spe- 



