On 9 February 2022, the Italian Parliament voted in favour of a Constitutional Bill which will grant constitutional protection to animals and the environment. It joins a handful of other countries (such as Switzerland, Germany, India, and Austria) to grant full rights to animals through the constitution.

Article 9 of the Constitution, protecting the “natural landscape and the historical and artistic heritage of the Nation” will be amended to include “[The Republic] Protects the environment, biodiversity and ecosystems, also in the interest of future generations. The law of the State governs the methods and forms of animal protection” (emphasis added). Article 41 previously requiring economic enterprise to “not be carried out against the common good or in such a manner that could damage safety, liberty and human dignity” will now require economic activities to not ‘“cause damage to health, to the environment”.

The first draft-law for the inclusion of animals in the Italian Constitution was submitted 24 years ago, stated Gianluca Felicetti, President of LAV. The constitutional protection will enable animals to be better protected in future laws and judicial rulings.

We certainly would have liked to go further but, given the current unstable political conditions, we think we can consider the result a miracle because the new provisions do not only apply to cats and dogs, as LAV requested, but also to all animals, in full compliance with the anti-speciesist principle that has always driven our commitment. This Reform fills an unacceptable gap in the Italian Constitution. However, it should not be considered as a point of arrival but a jumping-off place, a coming back to a new square one with more fervour and strength. So that animals will more easily obtain protection and respect, in the forthcoming Laws and in future court rulings. Thanks to this Reform, Italian citizens, associations and volunteers, will have more resources and opportunities to promote and protect animal rights.

Gianluca Felicetti

Italian Minister of Ecological Transition, Roberto Cingolani referred to the amendment as a “strong and symbolic act”, paving the way for Italy to set “well-defined rules” in the future. Enforcement of this constitutional amendment may be achieved by appeal to the Constitutional Court or by the head of state to veto legislation and ask parliament for revisions, if the provisions do not respect the constitution.