Bill 109.

Summary.

The bill amends the purpose of Law 70 of 2012 to include preventing, eradicating, and penalizing mistreatment, abandonment, and acts of cruelty against domestic animals, while promoting their welfare and comprehensive protection. It prohibits animal experimentation and testing for commercial or cosmetic purposes. It allows domestic animals to be sold when they are displayed and sold in premises suited to each species and in accordance with health regulations; it prohibits their sale on public roads.

It establishes animal health measures for owners of domestic animals. They must collect their animals’ excrement on public roads or private property; provide access to water and food; allow animals that are tied up to move and rest; keep their vaccination or veterinary care records visible and up to date; dispose of their remains hygienically; and protect them from hazards and adverse weather. In cases of mistreatment, exploitation, or neglect by breeders, businesses, or individuals, the competent authority may impose fines, order closures, prohibit the acquisition or keeping of additional animals, order the alleged offender to undergo therapy, and require participation in educational programs. The bill also changes the fines and community service applicable to the offenses it identifies by reference to Article 15 of Law 70 of 2012.

It provides for cooperation among the entities responsible for implementing that law. It assigns the Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educación), in coordination with the Ministry of Agricultural Development (Ministerio de Desarrollo Agropecuario) and animal protection organizations, to run programs in schools and communities and media campaigns. It promotes ongoing adoption campaigns and mechanisms for anonymously reporting mistreatment by telephone or through digital platforms. It creates the Special Fund for Animal Welfare (Fondo Especial para el Bienestar Animal), financed by fines for violations of the law, to support protection programs, shelters, and rehabilitation centers.

It requires qualified veterinarians to perform euthanasia of domestic animals using instantaneous and painless methods and prohibits methods that cause suffering. It sets conditions for the feeding, rest, and work of animals used for labor. It assigns the Ministry of Agricultural Development a national education and awareness plan, and the competent authorities periodic inspections of breeding facilities, businesses, and other premises. The Public Prosecutor’s Office (Ministerio Público), the National Police (Policía Nacional), and municipal authorities must enforce the penalties under the law and the Criminal Code through training, a special investigative unit, follow-up on reports, campaigns, and institutional cooperation. The Executive Branch must issue regulations under the law within 180 days of its entry into force, which is set for the day after its promulgation.

The bill concerns the Ministry of Agricultural Development, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the National Police, and municipal authorities; it may be of interest to animal owners, breeders, animal businesses, veterinarians, animal protection organizations, and establishments that use domestic animals for labor.