“Animals are respected and protected as living beings and fellow creatures.” This is stated in Article 141 (1), sentence 2 of the Constitution of the Free State of Bavaria. At the federal level, animal protection is also explicitly enshrined in constitutional law. Article 20a of the German Basic Law provides: “The state shall also protect the natural foundations of life and animals in responsibility for future generations …”
What does this mean? At both the state and federal level, animal protection is an explicit constitutional mandate and, as a state objective, constitutes binding objective constitutional law.
Many steps are still required before this constitutional mandate is fully implemented. At the same time, there are committed individuals in numerous fields – in politics, voluntary work or professional animal welfare – for whom the protection of animals is a matter close to their hearts and who work day in, day out to promote a better and more respectful coexistence with animals.
The aim of the first animal welfare reception hosted by the BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN parliamentary group in the Bavarian State Parliament was to bring animal welfare more into the spotlight and to bring together committed individuals from various fields. Presentations shed light on current developments and challenges in animal welfare. The reception that followed provided an opportunity for discussion, networking and personal conversations.
We would like to express our sincere thanks for the invitation and for the excellent organisation of this event!
