CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL LAW AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS. ANALYSIS BASED ON THE EVOLUTION OF DOLPHINS PROTECTION REGULATIONS

The most radical idea of protection of animals - biocentrism - is still very controversial, but gradually gaining the international recognition. Rules of modern international law are considered anthropocentric, however to some extent there is a tendency for adopting the biocentrism approach. The rules regarding dolphins' protection could constitute a good example of this; those mammals are protected exclusively for their own sake and for the reason of their own intrinsic value. What is also worth of noticing: the above mentioned rules have evolved and gained the international recognition as a result of hegemonic action of one state, namely the USA.