This Week Was a Big Win for Animals Across Mexico
This week was a big win for animals across Mexico. On December 2, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum signed a set of constitutional reforms that will pave the way for a comprehensive federal animal welfare law. The changes represent the first-ever mention of nonhuman animals in the Mexican Constitution, marking a milestone achievement for Mexico’s animal rights movement, which has been drawing attention to pervasive animal cruelty and extreme confinement in the country’s growing meat industry.
What’s in the Reforms?
The reforms comprise changes to three separate articles of Mexico’s Constitution. The most significant change amends the Constitution’s Article 73, which dictates what Congress has the authority to legislate on. The article now gives the federal government the power to issue laws on animal welfare and protection.
The reforms also amend Article 4 of the Constitution, which pertains to the education system, to require that animal welfare be included in school curricula for grade school and high school students. This change could help "attitudes shift and change in a very enduring, long-term way" for future generations.
What’s Next for Animal Welfare in Mexico?
Advocates in Mexico have two focuses going forward: shaping the general animal welfare bill into a strong piece of legislation, and working with the Ministry of Education to get meaningful implementation of animal welfare into the national curriculum.
It will also be important for lawmakers working on the new animal welfare bill to avoid industry capture. Various stakeholders will want a say in what regulations go into the law, including academic experts, animal-related professions such as veterinarians, and powerful corporate interests like animal agriculture producers.
Conclusion
The left-wing Morena party, of which recently elected President Sheinbaum is a member, also holds a majority of seats in both of Mexico’s legislative chambers. Before signing onto the constitutional reforms, Sheinbaum vocalized her support for them in her first address as the country’s leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does this mean for animal welfare in Mexico?
A: The constitutional reforms pave the way for a comprehensive federal animal welfare law, covering all types of animals, including farmed animals, wildlife, animals in laboratories, and companion animals.
Q: What’s the significance of this milestone?
A: It’s a first-ever mention of nonhuman animals in the Mexican Constitution, marking a major achievement for Mexico’s animal rights movement.
Q: What’s next for animal welfare in Mexico?
A: Advocates will focus on shaping the general animal welfare bill and working with the Ministry of Education to get meaningful implementation of animal welfare into the national curriculum.
Q: How might industry capture impact the implementation of the reforms?
A: Various stakeholders, including animal agriculture producers, may try to influence what regulations go into the law, so it’s crucial for lawmakers to prioritize animal welfare over industry interests.
Q: What are the concerns about implementation?
A: Ensuring meaningful implementation and enforcement will be key, as poor enforcement can undermine the good language in the constitutional reforms.