Il nuovo art. 9 Cost. e la tutela degli animali riservata alla legge dello Stato: il legislatore (non) può attendere

The article addresses the recent constitutional reform in Italy that has placed the protection of animals among the fundamental principles of the Constitution. It discusses the significance of the new constitutional provision, which elevates the protection of animals to a constitutional level, impacting various areas traditionally linked to human interests, such as food production, scientific research, and the use of animals in different industries. It then analyzes the differing viewpoints that have emerged in Italian constitutional scholarship regarding the outcomes of the reform, ranging from critical perspectives that see it as redundant and politically motivated, to positive views that celebrate it as a necessary step to align Italy with other European countries in terms of constitutional environmental protection. The implications of the state law reservation on animal protection are examined, discussing the autonomous and direct protection now guaranteed to animals, separately from environmental considerations, also considering the issue of animal subjectivity and the rights of future generations. The article concludes by advocating that the implementation of this constitutional provision must be carried out by the legislature, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive national regulatory framework to ensure uniform and effective protection of animals throughout Italy.