Luxembourg Grants Animals Dignity on Paper

Luxembourg has a new animal welfare law. The text was adopted unanimously by members of parliament. With the new law, Luxembourg becomes the second country after Switzerland to recognize a dignity for animals that must be protected. «In the past, animals were used as working tools or means of transport,» said the responsible Minister of Agriculture, Fernand Etgen, before parliament. Today, owners no longer regard their animals as objects, but as living beings, the minister continued.

By introducing the concept of animal dignity into the law, one is moving somewhat away from anthropocentrism — meaning that everything no longer revolves solely around humans, explained the rapporteur of the law, Gusty Graas (DP).

An Overview of the Legislative Changes

• Animals have dignity
• Animals may no longer be killed for purely economic reasons
• Sexual acts with animals are prohibited
• Animals may not be awarded as prizes in competitions
• Breeding animals solely for their hide or fur is prohibited
• Stunning prior to slaughter is mandatory (hobby hunting and fishing are exempt from this requirement)
• Stricter penalties for offences

Up to three years in prison

There had previously been shortcomings with regard to criminal offences, the minister said in his speech. At times, the police had not had sufficient grounds to take action against those who mistreated animals. Judges, meanwhile, had lacked the means to punish animal abusers. The new law provides for substantial penalties, which in particularly severe cases can amount to up to three years in prison or 200’000 euros. Inspectors may now also issue a formal warning subject to a fee.

The law applies exclusively to vertebrates and cephalopods, writes the Luxemburger Tageblatt.

A step in the right direction. Unfortunately, this has no dignified impact on slaughter, hobby hunting, and fishing, etc., adds IG Wild beim Wild.

More on animal rights and the animal welfare problem of hobby hunting.