Last week, Belgium voted by a two-thirds majority to include animal welfare in the Belgian constitution. In De Nacht of KRO-NCRV we speak with Erwin Vermeulen of Animal Rights to analyze this historic change in the law.
The amended legal text reads as follows: “In the exercise of their respective powers, the federal state, the communities and the regions shall strive to protect and care for animals as sentient beings.”
The change in law is unique. The Belgian Constitution has only been revised so drastically three times before.
Animal rights organizations, such as GAIA, speak of a historic breakthrough and are pleased with the change in the law. Opponents of the law, such as the liberal Open Vld and the Christian Democratic CD&V, are afraid that this change in the law will have a negative impact on permits for farmers and fishermen, among others.
According to opponents, the law could also lead to a flood of lawsuits. According to Erwin Vermeulen of Animal Rights, things won’t go that fast.
Tags: Belgium animal welfare part constitution
