Chile, the Supreme Court recognizes a cat as a sentient being

The Supreme Court of Chile has recognized the cat Perseus as a sentient being, ruling that its well-being must prevail over the interests of its owners and their property rights. With a unanimous decision, the five magistrates of the First Civil Section rejected the appeal presented by the ex-partner of the woman who took care of the animal, confirming sole custody of Paulina Torres.

The story concerns a couple from Osorno, in the south of the country, who had adopted the feline in 2021 and who, after the separation, had initially agreed on an alternating custody regime. The woman subsequently stopped the monthly trips, claiming that these caused the animal to experience severe episodes of stress, tremors and behavioral problems.

In the ruling, the Court established that the legislation on the protection of animals requires them to be considered not simply movable property, but sentient beings whose well-being must be protected.