Virtually all legal systems classify animals as property or chattel . This status fundamentally limits animal protection: owners cannot be held liable for many forms of harm, and animals have no standing to sue. Animal welfare laws thus operate as exceptions to property rights.
The Five Domains model (nutrition, environment, health, behavior, mental state) adds a focus on positive experiences (e.g., play, comfort). Virtually all legal systems classify animals as property
Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pain, injury, or disease. Space and company to express natural behaviors. Treatment that prevents mental suffering. ⚖️ Legal Frameworks & Standards and treatment of pain