Germany

Article 20a of the German Constitution

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Summary Description

Imposes a duty on the State to protect animals.

Species

All animals

Jurisdiction

Germany

Sub-Jurisdiction

N/A

Type of Act

Constitution

Status

In force

Legal Value

Binding

Date Enacted

2002

Date Updated

June, 2023

Official Citation

Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland [GG][Basic Law] art. 20a (Ger.)

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Imposes a duty on the State to protect "animals by legislation and, in accordance with law and justice, by executive and judicial action, all within the framework of the constitutional order."

Weaknesses

  • Animals are still classified as property under the law.

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