The inclusion of animals protection rights was approved in the newly written Chilean Constitution. The authors of the Constitution, which is currently being drafted, declare that the protection of animals as a State responsibility. The wording of Article 23 will state:
“Animals are subject to special protection measures, the State will protect them, recognizing them as sentient beings with the right to live a life free of mistreatment. The State and its agencies shall promote education based on empathy and respect for all animals.”
FinnDomingo e.V. (through our project coordinator in Chile and together with members of “Chilean Federation of Animal Welfare” network) participated in a major national campaign, the goal of which was for the Chilean state to officially recognize its responsibility to protect all animals. The joint effort has paid off. On March 25, 2022 this goal has been achieved.
Anyone familiar with the current daily life in Chile does not expect an immediate or drastic improvement in the life of animals with this constitutional provision alone. But Article 23 is definitely a step in the right direction. After years of petitioning the government for more concrete legislation regarding the protection of animals, it will now be enforced by this written guarantee. It is hoped that Article 23 will serve as a basis for more efficient legislative and, above all, executive measures on all levels of the Chilean administration.
