Animals as workers – on limited personhood of animals in the domain of employment law

Abstract

The article claims that the legal relationship between humans and nonhuman animals in Poland shall be up for a redefinition. Is it exhibited that the current legal system is based on the assumption of human superiority which leads to the justified interests of nonhuman animals being awarded scant to none legal consideration as by law they are still deemed as property. Meanwhile, the harm being done to the animals seems to be in an ever-growing conflict with the rapid and substantial developments of science and ethics, as well as laws and jurisprudence of various countries. This gap is only getting larger and larger. These scientific and ethical developments support the claim that animals shall be entitled to get some of their basic interests enshrined in law. The article proposes that first step to treat animals more like persons rather than property are relations at workplace and application of work health and safety regulations.