Download Gierri Bolliger

Animal Welfare
An ethical constitutional aim of a state
and its impact on the judiciary
Dr. iur. Gieri Bolliger
Foundation for the Animal in the Law (TIR)
Brussels, 12/13 June 2012
Conference Enforcement of European Animal Welfare Related Legislation
Animal Welfare Standard
• animal welfare as a basic value of modern states
• moral postulate vs. binding law
• animal welfare regulations: significantly diverging national levels
 challenge of implementation
• constitutional animal welfare as a strong pillar
Switzerland
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single animal welfare aspects in constitution since 1893
1973: animal welfare as state matter with obligation to legislate
1981: Animal Welfare Act
1992: „dignity of creature“ including all animals
2003: dignity of creature implemented in Genetic Engeneering
Act
• 2008: dignity of animals implemented in Animal Welfare Act
1893
1973
1981
1992
2003
2008
Value of ethical constitutional aims
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symbolic character, clear confession
official state goal
obligation to political, institutional and legal development
‚equality of weapons‘ with other basic rights
increase of legal protection and inforcement of animal welfare
rights
Switzerland
•
•
•
•
•
single animal welfare aspects in constitution since 1893
1973: animal welfare as state matter with obligation to legislate
1981: Animal Welfare Act
1992: „dignity of creature“ including all animals
2003: dignity of creature implemented in Genetic Engeneering
Act
• 2008: dignity of animals implemented in Animal Welfare Act
1893
1973
1981
1992
2003
2008
Consequences for legislation and jurisdiction
• regulation: well-being and dignity
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prohibition of zoophilia
prohibition of doping use for animals
prohibition of postal delivery of animals
ban on dolphin import
• judgement:
• 2009: monkey experiments – disregard of dignity
• database on penal cases concerning Animal Welfare Act:
 www.tierimrecht.org (German)
Thank you for your attention!
Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR), Zürich (CH)
www.tierimrecht.org – [email protected]