Court recognizes 2 goldfish at sushi restaurant are sentient beings with rights, orders their removal

ARGENTINA (CNN) - A court in Argentina has recognized two goldfish as sentient beings with rights.

The decision led to their transfer from a 10-gallon glass display case at a sushi restaurant to a 660-gallon fish tank at someone’s house.

The tank at the Buenos Aires restaurant was exposed to the sun and street noise.

A nonprofit called Empty Cages thought the restaurant tank was not suitable. It filed a complaint in court, arguing the conditions violated an animal abuse law.

They convinced the court to move the fish to a more suitable place.

A lawyer with the group said the restaurant staff did not object to the ruling.

An animal specialist has adopted them. The court ruled the fish would remain in his care. He said the fish are doing “very well.”