Discourse Coalitions and Animals for Entertainment: the Debate on the "Animal Welfare Act" in the Spanish Press
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24137/raeic.12.23.14Keywords:
estudios críticos animales, bienestar animal, comunicación política, coaliciones discursivas, prensa española, grupos de interésAbstract
This study focuses on the media coverage of the Act 7/2023 and the reform of the Penal Code on animal abuse and neglect. The main goal is to identify the actors and discourses reflected in the media agenda, specifically on animals used for entertainment. Texts from ten Spanish newspapers have been examined from before the presentation of the draft bill (1 October 2021) until the month of its approval (3 March 2023) using a discursive network analysis methodology. The analysis identifies two discursive coalitions: one in favour and the other against a stricter legislative proposal on animal protection. The results reveal that more actors appear in the opposing coalition. The most introduced arguments in the debate revolve around the inclusion of dogs used for hunting in the law; the use of animals for entertainment in competitions, shows and other contexts; the need for the law to be passed; criticism of the animal lobby; and criticism of the hunting lobby. The identified coalitions compete to institutionalise their discourse and influence political parties and public opinion.
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