Abstract

It is quite common to talk about the process of dereification of animals. This essay explores the measure in which it can be said that animals are in effect treated differently from things and similarly to persons by European and in particular Italian law. The conclusions are markedly different for pet animals and for other animals. The essay finds a precedent of this widespread onthological distinction between pet animals and other animals in an article of the Italian legal philosopher Cesare Goretti, and compares the results reached by the law with the more general recognition of animal dignity auspicated by the Italian philosopher Piero Martinetti.