Redefining Intelligence and Compassion

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This chapter explores the varied definitions of intelligence beyond traditional measures like IQ, emphasizing the complexity and nuance of individual capabilities. It draws parallels between personal experiences with animals and broader ethical concerns in animal welfare, urging for a reevaluation of societal attitudes. The narrative highlights the emotional connections between humans and animals, advocating for a compassionate understanding of both intelligence and animal treatment.

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Are all animals equally intelligent but in different ways? Do some animals perceive the passage of time differently from humans? Are our definitions of intelligence biased towards our own human strengths and therefore not fairly applicable to other animals? Is a baby human's pre-linguistic communication (like crying) analogous to the ways other animals communicate? Is civil litigation the best strategy for defending animal rights? Human lawyers represent their clients, but can other animals be clients? Can other animals be plaintiffs or defendants in human courts?

Alene Anello is the founder of Legal Impact for Chickens, a litigation nonprofit that seeks to make animal cruelty a liability. Before founding Legal Impact for Chickens, Alene graduated from Harvard Law School, clerked for a federal judge, and then started litigating for animals. She has worked at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and The Good Food Institute. Her undergraduate degree is also from Harvard. Alene is committed to helping chickens to honor the memories of her two beloved avian family members, Conrad and Zeke. Find out more about her and her work at legalimpactforchickens.org.

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