A real cultural revolution is about to enter the classrooms of the Argentine capital. The Legislature of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires unanimously approved, with 56 votes in favour, zero against and no abstentions, the so-called Law on Compassion. The law makes the teaching of respect, care and protection of animals mandatory in all public and private institutions, starting from the initial level up to primary and secondary schools and teacher training courses.
The project was conceived by the organization Sintientes, founded by the actress Liz Solari and chaired by Máximo Mazzocco, with the participation of Leonardo Barnabá as author, and was presented in the chamber by the legislator Emmanuel Ferrario of the Trust and Development block. The primary objective of the legislation is to make young people understand that animals are sentient beings capable of feeling emotions, while providing concrete tools to ensure their protection.
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The five curricular axes and the training of teaching staff
It will be up to the Ministry of Education of Buenos Aires to define the minimum curricular contents which will be inserted gradually and across 5 fundamental axes. The first concerns animal sentience, that is, the moral duty to protect every living creature. The second focuses on responsible care and environmental protection. The third axis addresses the prevention of abuse, teaching to recognize and combat abandonment, neglect, prolonged detention, physical punishment and exploitation. The fourth area concerns the rules of coexistence in public spaces, such as the obligation to wear a leash and waste collection. The last point guarantees access to information on public animal health services, promoting vaccination, deworming and castration. To ensure full operation, the city authority will train teachers and draft dedicated pedagogical materials, updated according to the latest scientific evidence.
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Cremation of pets and a public cemetery for them
In support of the initiative, the promoters cited important criminological and psychological research, citing studies by the FBI and the American Journal of Psychiatry. Such investigations identify animal cruelty during childhood as a potential early warning sign for future violent behavior, demonstrating how teaching empathy can prevent bullying and improve school climate.
In the same session, Parliament approved two other regulations with great social impact. The first, promoted by Emmanuel Ferrario, establishes a public cremation service for pets at the Chacarita Cemetery, guaranteeing controlled rates and total free entry for people in vulnerable situations and for shelters. The second law, presented by legislator Graciela Ocaña, provides for the creation of a public cemetery for pets, also located in the Chacarita area.
