Aim
The aim of the constitution project is to promote the official recognition of animals as sentient beings by including animal protection in international, national and regional constitutions and charters.

The immediate aim is to provide animal protection groups around the world with the information needed to campaign effectively in favour of placing animal protection in constitutions.

Background
Various animal protection societies have campaigned for recognition of the interests of animals in their country constitution, and there have been some initiatives seeking the recognition of animal protection/rights at international national levels. Yet despite the fact that animal protection has become an important ethical and political question in many countries, there are as yet few countries that have secured even the basic requirements for humane treatment of animals in their constitution.

World Animal Net initiated this project in order to research past initiatives - successes and failures, and to make experiences and knowledge available to animal protection organisations world-wide. Our hope is that many animal protection societies will join the project, creating a strong global movement campaigning in favour of the inclusion of animal protection in constitutions. This is, after all, long overdue!

Resources

Leaflet - Animal Protection and Constitutions
Background Notes for animal protection organisations

Hard copies of these documents are available to WAN affiliated societies free-of-charge. Please send your request, giving full details (including postal address and society name) to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

You are welcome to use these materials for your campaign, and to re-design and adapt them to suit your own style or philosophy. It is important to make reference to the international character of the World Animal Net Constitution Project.