Statut juridique de l'animal, le récit d'un tournant historique

Overview: January 28 as a Legal Turning Point in France

The segment marks January 28 as a historical legal turning point in France: the Civil Code has been updated to recognize animals as sentient living beings, rather than treating them as movable property.

Why the Reform Happened

The commentary argues that the change was the result of a long campaign, especially led by the 30 Million Friends Foundation, aimed at correcting an “anomaly” in the Civil Code dating back to Napoleon—when animals were legally classified as property.

While other areas of law evolved (such as the Penal Code and the Rural Code), the Civil Code lagged behind, leaving animal protection legally incomplete.

Key Steps in the Legislative Process

• 2013: The foundation launched the “Ellegan” campaign, including a major petition to demand change.
• The Minister of Justice (responsible for the Civil Code reform) is described as rallying 24 intellectuals across the political spectrum through a manifesto, and mobilizing experts and political decision-makers.
• April 15, 2014: MP Jean Glavani (with the Socialist group) submitted an amendment to enable a public debate, despite opposition.
• January 28, 2015: A new Civil Code article was introduced, explicitly recognizing animals as living and sentient beings, and separating them from the legal category of movable property.

Impact and Call to Continue Advocacy

The speaker concludes that this legal change has practical consequences and should help create conditions to improve animal welfare. The message emphasizes that advocacy should continue even after this milestone.

Presenters / Contributors

• Christian Tobira
• Jean Glavani
• The Minister of Justice (named only generically in the subtitles)
• 30 Million Friends Foundation (including the “Ellegan” campaign)