22 - Key Findings and Recommendations

Summary

Animals are highly vulnerable in war. However, they are only incidentally protected by international humanitarian law, namely as mere objects (or property), as specially protected objects, as part of the environment, as endangered species, as war weapons, or as means of medical transport, search and rescue. They are neither treated as ‘subjects of protection’ nor are they granted any rights. The research has revealed that the few international humanitarian law provisions that could potentially apply to animals have rarely been enforced or effectively implemented by international courts and tribunals. In light of these general observations, the concluding chapter summarises the key findings of the study. It highlights the main legal challenges that an agenda of protection of animals during warfare faces. It then formulates recommendations for addressing these challenges with a view to strengthening and developing the legal framework.