On 15 October, the Saeima adopted in the final reading amendments to the Civil Law, establishing that animals are not objects, but living and sentient beings.

“These amendments to the Civil Law will establish a values-oriented legal norm. In civil legal relations, an animal cannot be evaluated merely as an object whose value is determined in money. An animal's life and welfare are significant and protectable values that correspond to the ethical understanding of modern society,” stated the Chairman of the responsible Legal Affairs Committee, Andrejs Judins, previously.

The amendments to the Civil Law reinforce the principle that animals are not objects, while simultaneously maintaining the status of animals as objects of civil rights. At the same time, rules of property law will be applicable to animals only insofar as they are compatible with the nature of an animal as a living, sentient being and with the laws intended for the protection of animals. Certain clarifications are also provided in the Civil Law norms regarding damage caused to animals.

The issue was brought to the fore following the collective submission “To stipulate in law that an animal is not property, but a living being”, which was signed by more than 35 thousand citizens.

Animal protection in Latvia is regulated by the Animal Protection Law.