Belgium: Constitutional Article recognizes Animal Welfare

On May 2, 2024, the Belgian Parliament approved a bill to amend the constitution by incorporating a clause that mandates the Federal State, along with its Communities and Regions, to "ensure the protection and welfare of animals as sentient beings." This amendment is an extension of a modification made to Belgium's Civil Code in 2020, which shifted the status of animals from mere property to sentient beings. The discussion in Parliament took place on Thursday, with proponents arguing that this constitutional provision will provide definitive guidance on animal welfare. Belgium joins five other EU countries—Germany, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Italy, and Austria—in granting constitutional protections to animals.