Fundamental Rights for Animals in Austria – Why Our Petition Is More Important Than Ever
In this article, we take a closer look at our successful petition, “Fundamental Rights for Animals in Austria.” We explain why we launched this petition, what demands it puts forward, and why this issue is more relevant today than ever before.
Our Demands:
1. Constitutional Protection of Animal Rights
- Inclusion of a new article in the Austrian Federal Constitutional Law (B-VG):
“Animals are sentient beings. They have the right to life, physical integrity, and species-appropriate treatment. No one may cause animals suffering or kill them without a compelling reason.”
2. Redefinition of the “Reasonable/Legitimate Ground”
- The killing of animals should not be permitted for:
- religious or cultural practices
- overproduction and food waste
- luxury goods such as fur or foie gras
3. Abolition of Religious Slaughtering Exemptions
- Amendment of Section 32 of the Austrian Animal Welfare Act (TSchG):
- → Mandatory stunning before every slaughter, without religious exemptions.
4. Mandatory Reduction of Intensive Animal Farming
- Introduction of national reduction targets:
- Halving the number of farmed animals by 2035
- Promoting plant-based alternatives
5. Ban on Unnecessary Animal Testing
- Implementation of a phase-out plan by 2035.
- Funding for alternative research methods.
6. Transparency and Mandatory Labelling
- Clear information on origin and production methods, including:
- Slaughter method
- Country of origin
- Type of animal husbandry
Justification
- More than 80 million animals die every year in Austria’s industrial agriculture.
- Around 40% of the meat produced is not consumed but instead discarded.
- Austria permits religious slaughter without prior stunning under Section 32 of the Animal Welfare Act (TSchG).
- Around 220,000 animals are used for animal experiments each year (BMSGPK, 2022).
Conclusion
The current Animal Welfare Act does not provide effective protection for animals. We therefore call for fundamental reform.
Addressees
- National Council of Austria
- Federal Council of Austria
- Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK)
- Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism (BMLRT)
HERE to see the results of our Petition:
