Argentina: Court recognises two goldfish as sentient beings with legal rights

According to a CNN report, an Argentine court recognised two goldfish named Fede and Magui as sentient beings with legal rights and ordered their relocation to more suitable living conditions. 

The proceedings followed a complaint filed by the animal sanctuary Jaulas Vacías, which argued that the fish were being kept in a small aquarium outside a sushi restaurant in Buenos Aires under conditions that violated Argentina's Law 14.346, which criminalises animal abuse. During the proceedings, Jaulas Vacías also requested that the goldfish no longer be regarded as objects but instead be recognised as legal subjects. According to CNN, the court granted this request. The fish were subsequently moved from a 40-litre aquarium to a 2'500-litre aquarium at the home of a private owner. 

According to Jaulas Vacías, the ruling may set a precedent for the legal protection of fish and other animals kept under similar conditions.