Italy: The State Must Protect Animals and Ecosystems

On 9 February, the Italian parliament voted to include the protection of animals and the environment in the country's constitution.

The Chamber of Deputies approved the draft constitutional amendment with a narrow two-thirds majority (468 votes in favour, 1 against, and 6 abstentions). Thanks to this reform, animals are now granted full rights under the constitution, as is the case in only four other countries worldwide.

Prior to the amendment, Article Nine of the constitution protected the «natural landscape and the historical and artistic heritage of the nation«. The article now includes the mandate to protect the environment, biodiversity, ecosystems, and animals «in the interest of future generations». Previously, Article 41 stated that economic activities «may not be carried out in a manner contrary to the public good or in a way that could harm safety, freedom, or human dignity».

The reform is a milestone and a concrete instrument for effective animal protection at the legislative and judicial level.

We certainly would have liked to go even further, but given the current unstable political climate, we can probably call the outcome a miracle — because the new provisions apply not only to cats and dogs, as called for by the LAV, but to all animals, in full accordance with the anti-speciesist principle that has always guided our commitment. This reform fills an unacceptable gap in the Italian constitution. However, it should not be seen as an end point, but as a springboard from which to return to a new beginning with greater drive and strength. As a result, animals will more easily find protection and respect in future legislation and in the jurisprudence to come. Thanks to this reform, Italian citizens, associations, and volunteers will have more tools and opportunities to promote and protect the rights of animals.

Gianluca Felicetti, President of LAV