The constitutional affairs select committee of the lower house of the Belgian parliament, the chamber of representatives, has given the go ahead to include animals in the constitution. Flemish ecologist lawmaker Kristof Calvo speaks of an important step forward for animal welfare: "Animals are important in our society. Now we fully recognise them as living beings with feelings."
The text was approved unanimously, though there were three abstentions.
Under the proposals animals will enjoy protection under Article 7a of the Belgian constitution. The proposed text reads: "In the exercise of their respective powers, the federal state, communities and regions shall endeavour to protect and care for animals as sentient beings."
Earlier, the Senate too approved the text. Final approval is possible within weeks if the text receives the backing of a two-thirds majority of lawmakers in a plenary vote in the chamber.
"Amending the constitution is not easy and a long process. We are very happy with the broad support among colleagues on the select committee. It is another step forwards for animal welfare, but that does not finish our work," Calvo explained. "We also hope for broad support in the plenary vote."
Animal rights' activists jubilant
Animal rights organisation Gaia is also pleased with the approval. "There is no doubt that including animals in the constitution is a legitimate answer to the widely supported social demand for ever better protection of animals in our society," says president Michel Vandenbosch. "We call on all MPs to support the bill during the vote in plenary, which will take place in a few weeks' time."