ABSTRACT

It is often noted that children and domesticated animals share a condition of innocence, vulnerability, and dependency, and as such are objects of adult duties of care. They are also both excluded from many rights of citizenship because of their alleged incapacities. Advocates for children’s citizenship argue that children are capable, responsible, compassionate, and contributing members of society, and as such require not just “protection”, but also recognition as social and political agents. We agree, but argue that a pro-child conception of citizenship must also rethink the political status of animals. Animals are a central part of the social world of children, but this interspecies sociality is suppressed by our current legal and political order, to the detriment of both children and animals. We explore an alternative citizenship model based on engaging the evolving capacities of all of its members, and note several areas where children and animals, if empowered, would seek a different (and better) world.