What country has a bill of rights for cows?

In Hindu tradition, the cow is revered as a sacred animal, a symbol of life, gentleness, and divine bounty. This deep cultural and religious respect has been formally translated into legal protections, making it the only country to have granted such rights. While not a single, nationwide bill, the foundation (Review) for this claim comes from a landmark 2017 ruling by the High Court in the state of Uttarakhand.

The court declared that all members of the animal kingdom are legal entities with the rights of a "living person." In its judgment, the court made special note of cows, citing their sacred status. This ruling effectively grants animals, and cows in particular, fundamental rights to life and protection from harm and cruelty. To enforce this, the court designated all citizens of the state as legal guardians for animals, making their welfare a human responsibility.

This groundbreaking decision is part of a wider legal framework of cow protection in the country. Many Indian states have long-standing laws that restrict or outright ban the slaughter of cattle. The Uttarakhand ruling, however, took this protection a step further by establishing a unique legal personhood for animals, creating what is essentially a bill of rights rooted in centuries of cultural reverence.