Christopher Berry
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chrandberry.bsky.social
Christopher Berry
@chrandberry.bsky.social
Animal Law Expositor • Artist • Executive Director @nonhumanrights ⚖ Ask me about nonhuman legal status & animal rights.

Statements made here are mine alone.
Thanks for having me! Excellent editorial judgment on the quotes you pulled for the promos.
August 29, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Read more about the Nonhuman Rights Project’s involvement at www.nonhumanrights.org/blog/califor...

5/5
NhRP to California court: animal suffering matters under the law
This week the Nonhuman Rights Project filed an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief asking California’s First District Court…
www.nonhumanrights.org
August 6, 2025 at 11:50 PM
But, as we argue, ensuring the common law’s just and rational development is a core responsibility of thecourts. In the words of the California Supreme Court: “Courts [must] remain alert to their obligation and opportunity to change the common law when reason and equity demand it.” 

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August 6, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Also at stake in this appeal is the critically important question: who decides whether animals matter? The prosecution is arguing that only the legislature can expand the necessity defense to prevent animal cruelty.

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August 6, 2025 at 11:45 PM
The legal principle at stake transcends any single case. It goes to the heart of how our legal system views animals. Are they “things” or are they beings who matter? 

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August 6, 2025 at 11:45 PM
(For anybody looking for the opinion you can find it here: Deblase v. Hill, 2025 WL 1696814, Supreme Court of New York for Kings County, Index No. 522689/2023 (June 17, 2025))
June 19, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Today’s recognition by the NY Supreme Court for Kings County that Duke was a family member shows the justice system at its best: fulfilling its fundamental duty to deliver justice based on facts and reason rather than an antiquated legal fiction that animals are mere things.

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June 17, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Companion animal familial status shares a deep conceptual synergy with the NhRP's habeas corpus cases because both depend on the same legal principles: "the evolving legal status of nonhuman animals, the role and duty of common law courts, and the fundamental demands of justice[.]"

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June 17, 2025 at 11:34 PM
The Court thus found that Duke was a member of the family under the circumstances: "This Court believes that 'a pet such as a dog is not just a thing' and [Plaintiff] 'is entitled to damages beyond the market value' of Duke[.]" (citations omitted)

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nonhumanrights.org/wp-content/u...
June 17, 2025 at 11:33 PM
The Court agreed on framework: "Ultimately, if a trial court perceives a change in law, it is morally obligated to recognize it" and must "interpre[t] and appl[y] law to align with evolving societal norms while remaining faithful to the original intent."

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www.nonhumanrights.org/wp-content/u...
June 17, 2025 at 11:32 PM
The Nonhuman Rights Project authored two amicus briefs arguing that courts are not just able to evolve common law to do justice, but have a responsibility to do so.

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www.nonhumanrights.org/wp-content/u...
June 17, 2025 at 11:30 PM
The facts alleged: Plaintiff was walking the family dog, Duke, when driver ran a stop sign hitting and killing Duke in front of plaintiff who narrowly escaped danger herself. Plaintiff sought emotional damages. Driver argued dogs are just property. Court sought amicus briefing to resolve.

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June 17, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Adding animal law superstars @njacewicz.bsky.social, @raffaelfasel.bsky.social, and @animalrightslaw.bsky.social

✨🐂⚖️
February 28, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Reposted by Christopher Berry
CO’s highest court heard arguments made by NhRP for right the liberty of 5 elephants held captive in the Cheyenne Mt Zoo.The key issue before the 6 justices is whether CO common law protects an individual’s rt to liberty even if they aren’t human nonhumanrightsproject.donorsupport.co/page/endofye...
Building a more just world for all.
Make an end-of-year gift to the Nonhuman Rights Project to help power our unique fight for legal rights for nonhuman animals in 2025 and beyond. Through December 31st, every donation will be matched u...
nonhumanrightsproject.donorsupport.co
December 12, 2024 at 12:33 AM