All countries should acknowledge the rights of animals in their constitutions. this will mean law makers need to take into account animal welfare considerations when making laws. Examples of countries that have done this are: Germany: In 2002, Germany became the first European Union member to amend its constitution to include animals. Article 20a states that the state protects the "natural foundations of life and animals" in the responsibility for future generations. Switzerland: Article 80 of the Swiss Constitution specifically mandates federal legislation regarding the protection and welfare of animals, regulating how they are kept, cared for, used, and transported. India: Article 51-A(g) of the Indian Constitution outlines the fundamental duties of every citizen, which includes the duty to "have compassion for living creatures." Brazil: The Brazilian Constitution includes a dedicated environmental provision (Article 225) that explicitly requires the government to protect the fauna and flora, specifically prohibiting practices that subject animals to cruelty. European Union (Quasi-Constitutional): The Treaty of Lisbon elevated animal welfare to a recognized social principle, legally requiring member states to "pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals" as sentient beings when formulating policies. All counties that do not yet have it should have a referendum to include something like this in their constitution.