Historic Progress for Animals As Mexico Changes Its Constitution

With much anticipation, on March 30, 2023, Animal Equality’s initiative to change the Federal Constitution was approved by a qualified majority. With the approval of the Opinion to modify Article 73 of the Federal Constitution by the Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies, the Congress of the Union has been allowed to legislate on animal welfare. 

After being presented with more than 100,000 signatures in support from the public of the initiative, the Chamber of Deputies passed the legislation with an absolute majority of 482 votes. The next step will be final approval by the Senate.

Animal Equality’s Fight to Modify Article 73

In December of 2022, Animal Equality, with Federal Deputy Fausto Gallardo García of the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico, presented legislation to modify Article 73 of the Mexican Constitution. The approval would grant Congress the ability to issue and uphold animal welfare policies. 

On January 25th, 2023, the initiative was approved by the Constitutional Points Commission of the Chamber of Deputies and awaited the final steps in the Plenary of the Chamber.

On March 14th, 2023, efforts to include animals in the Mexican Constitution reached a significant milestone when Animal Equality’s team presented 100,000 petition signatures in Mexico’s Congress of the Union. This effort was part of Animal Equality’s broader campaign to secure constitutional recognition for animals in Mexico.

Finally, on March 30, 2023, the Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies approved the initiative to modify Article 73 with 482 votes in favor, 0 against and 1 abstention. This ruling is the first crucial step towards creating a General Law of Animal Welfare in Mexico. 

This constitutional change represents the effort and dedication of each one of the people who in their day to day recognizes that animals must be respected and protected, [and it] represents all those people who have stopped being indifferent and have helped an animal that is suffering.

– Dulce Ramírez, Vice President of Animal Equality for Latin America

How Does This Historic Win Impact Farmed Animals?

During investigations into slaughterhouses and farms, Animal Equality’s teams documented animals being hanged by their hind legs as they bled to death, conscious pigs being dropped into scalding hot water, pigs being beaten with axes, a lamb’s head ripped from its body while conscious, the electrocution of animals, and the presence of underage workers in slaughterhouses. 

Prior to this reform, Mexico lacked a comprehensive Animal Welfare Law that extended to all animals, including those raised for food. This resulted in uneven protection across the country, making it challenging to report and prosecute instances of abuse and cruelty.

Evidence from these investigations helped promote the passing of this initiative in Mexico City.

The passage of this bill through the Chamber of Deputies is a significant milestone, as it paves the way for the creation of the first national law aimed at ensuring the well-being of animals across the country. If the legislation is approved by the Senate, it will provide a framework for protecting all animals and updating local laws in accordance with national standards.

This is undoubtedly progress in favor of animals, which will lay the foundations and be an example for the entire country. This reform to the [Constitution] supports the idea that animals are sentient beings and we have obligations towards them.

–Dulce Ramírez, Animal Equality Vice President of Latin America

You Can Be the Voice Farmed Animals So Greatly Deserve!

Animal Equality is dedicated to ending abuse towards animals and creating a world in which all animals are respected and protected. As a global community, we are fighting to hold meat and dairy industries accountable for animal cruelty. As crucial as legal protections for animals are, this is just one step towards reducing part of the immense suffering while we work to eliminate their exploitation. Help us end factory farming for good. 

Please join us in this fight by signing our End Factory Farming petition today:

You can help animals by simply choosing plant-based alternatives to meat, dairy and eggs. By following a plant-based diet, you are denouncing the suffering of farmed animals every single day. Make a world of difference for animals every day.