Colombia approved Angel Law that protects animals from their abusers

Published at: 02/03/2025 06:13 PM

The Colombian Congress unanimously approved the Angel Law, and its author, Senator Andrea Padilla (Green Alliance), affirmed that this initiative becomes the most important legal tool, to combat the worst forms of violence suffered by animals in the country.

“With this project, we are increasing the deprivation of liberty for those who intentionally kill an animal, sexually assault it or cause bodily harm. This penalty will exceed three years in prison, so that the crime will no longer be released from prison,” he said.

The senator said that economic fines were increased. “We enable the police to enter homes when there is certainty and evidence that the animal is being violated, so that its life is in imminent danger,” he added.

It also reported that new aggravating factors and ancillary penalties were created. In this regard, he said that it is “mandatory the training and awareness-raising of justice operators, prosecutors, judges, police inspectors, representatives”.

“A national animal abuse care route was created that reaches all municipalities, and a care route for animal victims of the armed conflict. Now the reconciliation of the House and Senate text continues, so that it passes to presidential sanction and becomes the Law of the Republic,” he explained.

The new rule tightens sanctions against those who commit acts of cruelty, and it also establishes prevention and awareness-raising measures in society.

This law is marked by the case of Ángel, a dog that was brutally abused in Boyacá, at just 5 months old, his skin was removed and left to his fate for 3 long days of suffering.

Ángel's struggle to survive shook social networks, especially in Colombia. (His case was so heartbreaking that his story became a symbol for activists.)

Despite efforts to save him, Ángel died in January 2025, his legacy is embodied in this law that seeks to ensure that no other animal goes through the same thing.

Mazo News Team