As of January 5, 2022, animals in Spain are no longer considered as ‘objects’ under the eyes of the law, but rather as ‘sentient beings’. In less technical terms, this means that the state recognizes animals as being capable of experiencing feelings and emotions. This new legislation, protects all animals, domesticated or wild, from being abused and treated as mere objects. Spain has a huge number of abandoned animals each year, so many will call this a huge victory for animal rights in the country. 

This new legislation helps sort out a common issue faced in the courtrooms, deciding who receives custody of pets in case of a divorce or separation. Prior to this new law, when pets were viewed as objects, a large deciding factor of who would get custody would be whomever the pet was registered under. Now, like children, pets can be granted joint custody to the animal parents.

Several other countries have made similar moves in recent months, including France and Portugal. In November 2021, the UK had recognized lobsters, crabs, and octopus as sentient in the British Animal Welfare Bill. This comes after new research found that the crustaceans have a central nervous system and can feel pain. Even though fishing laws have not been changed yet, their welfare will be taken into account when determining new ones. Increasing animal rights in human society is lovely news for animal lovers around the world.

One group of animal lovers is hard at work for a future free from animal suffering. Anima International is a charity that focuses on reducing the animal suffering in the most efficient way possible. They are big supporters of effective altruism - the pursuit of using evidence and reasoning to choose the best ways to help others. Their team specializes in corporate campaigns, investigations, and securing legal milestones that benefit animals. 

You can donate to Anima International via their website or install Altruisto, a browser extension that helps you effortlessly raise money while online shopping - at no extra cost to you. Once activated, and shopping on one of Altruisto’s partners’ websites, simply buy anything and 2-6% of the purchase total goes to a charity of your choice such as Anima International!

As of January 5, 2022, animals in Spain are no longer considered as ‘objects’ under the eyes of the law, but rather as ‘sentient beings’. In less technical terms, this means that the state recognizes animals as being capable of experiencing feelings and emotions.

Spain Passes New Law Dubbing Pets as Official Family Members

As of January 5, 2022, animals in Spain are no longer considered as ‘objects’ under the eyes of the law, but rather as ‘sentient beings’. In less technical terms, this means that the state recognizes animals as being capable of experiencing feelings and emotions. 

A new vaccine against dog allergies could make sneezes and sniffles a thing of the past. Researchers in Japan have identified specific molecules in our furry friends that may be the trigger for allergic reactions in people around dogs. 

Seven distinct dog allergens have recently been discovered, they are molecules or molecular structures that bind to a human’s antibody cell and produce a strong immune reaction under normal circumstances. These seven allergens are named “Canis familiaris allergens 1 to 7”. Of the seven, “Can f 1”, makes up most (50-75%) of the reactions in people allergic to dogs. The “Can f 1” allergen is found on the tongue tissue, salivary glands and skin of dogs. By artificially inducing immune tolerance to the molecules that make up dog allergens, a possible "dog allergy vaccine" could soon be developed. 

A ‘hypoallergenic vaccine’ would not just be a first for dog allergies, but also would be progress on vaccines for any allergic reaction. When the researchers' work is used to develop a dog allergy vaccine, the principles behind it could be applied to other allergies as well. We're still in the very early stages of development here, so allergy sufferers may have to avoid dogs for a while. With this being said, it could be seen as the first important step toward a working vaccine one day.

A vaccine could be a big step in reducing the number of pets surrendered to shelters due to allergies. Allergies in the family account for 8% of abandonment to animal shelters. People who struggle with allergic reactions can one day opt for a vaccine instead of giving up their pets.  

One animal protection group is fighting for a world without animal suffering. Anima International is a charity dedicated to reducing animal suffering. They are big supporters of effective altruism - the belief in or practice of doing good in the most efficient way possible. Their team specializes in various corporate campaigns, investigations, and securing legal milestones that benefit animals. 

You can donate to Anima International via their website or install Altruisto, a browser extension that helps you easily donate money while online shopping - at no extra cost to you. Once activated, and shopping on one of Altruisto’s partners’ websites, simply buy anything and 2-6% of the purchase total goes to a charity of your choice. If you choose to raise money for the reduction of animal suffering, Anima International will receive the funds from your purchase at no cost to you!

The research has been published in the Federation of European Biochemical Societies Journal.

There may be relief for those who suffer from a dog allergy. Scientists in Japan may have made some breakthrough discoveries regarding an effective vaccine for allergies.

Will Dog Allergies Soon Be A Thing Of The Past?

A new vaccine against dog allergies could make sneezes and sniffles a thing of the past. Researchers in Japan have identified specific molecules in our furry friends that may be the trigger for allergic reactions in people around dogs. 

Posts about: Reducing animal suffering

Spain Passes New Law Dubbing Pets as Official Family Members

Will Dog Allergies Soon Be A Thing Of The Past?

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