Updated December 2014
Before initiating or engaging in a campaign to amend a constitution to include animal protection, be sure to understand the necessary steps involved in making such an amendment. Some common questions include:
- What does my country’s constitution currently declare (or not declare) about animals? What would ideal language say, and what challenges/opportunities exist for implementing such provisions?
- What authority exists to amend the constitution and which government body or bodies may initiate such a process?
- Does my country/region allow the public initiate a change to the constitution by popular vote? If so, what are the requirements?
- What is the most appropriate timing (procedurally and strategically) for seeking to introduce animal protection in the constitution?
- What is the legislative landscape regarding animals and how might it complement or otherwise impact constitutional amendment efforts?
- Are there any other issues of constitutional importance currently being discussed, and is there any opportunity to link animal protection concerns into these issues, if so?
Below are some sample letters to advocate for animal protection in constitutions. Keep in mind, however, that successful advocacy may also require all or some combination of the following: research, introduction and follow-up meetings, lobbying/negotiations with officials over a period of time, collaboration with likeminded allies and stakeholders, media work and campaigning.
World Animal Net resources on Strategic Advocacy for Animal Welfare may be helpful in this regard.
National
Regional/State
United Nations
National
[ENTER NAME & ADDRESS OF RECIPIENT - include government departments and Ministers likely to be sympathetic]
[ENTER DATE]
Dear [NAME],
I am writing on behalf of [ADD SOCIETY NAME AND INFO] to request your support for an initiative to include animal protection principles in [COUNTRY NAME]'s constitution.
We are approaching you in the context of World Animal Net's Constitution Project, which has launched an international movement in favor of placing animals in constitutions. We would be grateful for your views on the importance of animal protection and the feasibility of including this in our own country's constitution.
It is our view that action to take full and proper account of animal protection in our constitution is long overdue. Animal protection is an important ethical and political question commanding major public support, and we feel that it is time to rectify this omission. First and foremost, as a fundamental principle animals should be recognized as sentient beings with intrinsic value. We envision the following fundamental additional provisions:
- A requirement that the government and the citizens at all times to consider animals with respect, and treat them with compassion.
- A requirement that the government to develop laws and enforcement structures so as to afford animals the highest level of protection.
- A requirement that the government develop and support humane education programs to encourage respect and compassion for people, animals and the environment, and recognition of the interdependence of all living things.
WAN has researched the following countries and regions around the world, which have included animal protection provisions in their constitutions. More detailed information can be found at http://worldanimal.net/our-programs/constitution-project-resources. We would like to further discuss these proposals, as well as potential language for inclusion in the constitution. We look forward to receiving your response.
Yours Sincerely,
Regional/State
[ENTER NAME & ADDRESS OF RECIPIENT - include local government departments and Councilors/Ministers likely to be sympathetic]
[ENTER DATE]
Dear [NAME],
I am writing on behalf of [ADD SOCIETY NAME AND INFO] to request your support for an initiative to include animal protection principles in the [REGION/STATE NAME]'s constitution.
We are approaching you in the context of World Animal Net's Constitution Project, which has launched an international movement in favor of placing animals in constitutions. We would be grateful for your views on the importance of animal protection and the feasibility of including this in our REGIONAL/STATE constitution.
It is our view that action to take full and proper account of animal protection in our constitution is long overdue. Animal protection is an important ethical and political question governed by internationally agreed standards commanding major public support, and we feel that the time to rectify this omission is long overdue.
First and foremost, as a fundamental principle animals should be recognized as sentient beings with intrinsic value. We envision the following fundamental additional provisions:
- A requirement that the government and the citizens at all times to consider animals with respect, and treat them with compassion.
- A requirement that the government to develop laws and enforcement structures so as to afford animals the highest level of protection.
- A requirement that the government develop and support humane education programs to encourage respect and compassion for people, animals and the environment, and recognition of the interdependence of all living things.
WAN has researched the following countries and regions around the world, which have included animal protection provisions in their constitutions. More detailed information can be found at http://worldanimal.net/our-programs/constitution-project-resources. We would like to further discuss these proposals, as well as potential language for inclusion in the constitution. We look forward to receiving your response.
Yours Sincerely,
United Nations
His/Her Excellency
Permanent Representative of [insert country] to the United Nations
[Enter Remainder of Address- See the UN bluebook for a list of physical and email addresses.]
[ENTER DATE]
Re: Animal Protection at UN Level
Dear Ambassador/Your Excellency,
I am writing on behalf of [ADD SOCIETY NAME AND INFO] in the context of World Animal Net's Constitution Project, which has launched an international movement in favor of placing animals in constitutions and prioritizing the protection of animals on a global scale.
Animal welfare is an issue of global significance and should be prioritized as such at the United Nations. Furthermore, scientific evidence now demonstrates that animals are sentient beings capable of suffering. We also understand that the welfare of animals is inherently linked to many other social concerns that are currently being addressed at the United Nations. Yet, to date, no charter or declaration has addressed the need for the need for animal welfare to be considered in the context of a country’s development.
We are concerned to the lack of attention to animal welfare at the United Nations, and are asking that the Permanent Mission of [INSERT COUNTRY] endorse, without delay, a Universal Declaration of Animal Welfare. In addition, we are calling for your leadership on an international conference on this issue of worldwide concern. Lastly, we urge the permanent mission to press for the specific general inclusion of animal welfare within the scope of United Nations activities.
Amongst the whole family of UN bodies that consider a wide-ranging and diverse array of subjects, there appears to be none that consider animal protection matters outside of species conservation for societal benefits. Thus, a tremendous void exists given the wide remit in the Charter of the United Nations, and the growing political importance of animal protection matters.
Animal welfare is now accepted as an international policy issue of significance. The membership of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for example, have agreed upon guiding principles for animal welfare and a rapidly-growing body of international animal welfare standards. It has also supported the conclusion of a number of regional strategies for the progressive development of animal welfare. Furthermore, animal welfare has now been recognized as an important developmental policy issue by many regional bodies outside of Europe (where much ground-breaking has been initiated in the Council or Europe and European Union), including by bodies such as the African Union and some Regional Economic Communities in ‘developing’ countries.
We do hope that you will reflect upon this matter, and consider formally requesting the UN to recognize animals as sentient beings and incorporate animal welfare within the sphere of UN activities. Such inclusion would elevate the consideration of animals globally and provide moral leadership to the UN's member nations.
There is also the option of joining the campaign for a Universal Declaration for Animal Welfare (UDAW), which is already supported by many governments; and of backing calls for the UN to officially recognize World Animal Day, which is already to focus of positive animal welfare events across the world every year (on 4th October).
We look forward to hearing from you about how [country] may be able to support this initiative.
Yours Sincerely,