Animals in Protected Zones

Under international humanitarian law, areas can be designated as protected zones. These include demilitarised zones, safety zones, neutralised zones, non-defended localities and hospital zones. The chapter closely assesses the conditions in which these zones could serve to help the plight of animals during war. Although these area-based protections were conceived with anthropocentric interests in mind, they may also provide a measure of protection to animals. However, the requirements imposed by international humanitarian law on the creation of these zones – including the need for consent from the parties to a conflict, and the obligation to refrain from using such zones for any military purposes – are stringent. Moreover, bringing animals into protective areas that may be inhabited by internally displaced persons may incidentally result in detrimental outcomes for animals. In light of these difficulties, the chapter proposes pragmatic solutions to enhance the protection of animals located in these areas. Examples are preparatory measures in peacetime aiming at safeguarding particularly vulnerable animals and the creation of designated eco-centric protected zones.