What is the Angel Law, which increases penalties and punishments for animal abuse?

This Tuesday, the House approved in its fourth debate what has become known as the Angel Law , in honor of the dog that was skinned alive in Saboyá (Boyacá) in 2021, survived the violent action against him and died a week ago from the after-effects of said attack. The project seeks to impose greater punishments against those convicted of animal abuse.

The bill in question, which still needs to be reconciled with the Senate text, seeks to establish greater measures to prevent animal abuse. In this way, those who cause violent deaths to animals could receive sentences of up to 56 months in prison, with aggravating factors such as sexual acts, excessive cruelty and others.

There are also sentences of up to 42 months in prison for those who cause serious injuries to animals. Additionally, higher fines are established, between 15 and 30 minimum wages, for aggressors and double that, 30 to 60 minimum wages , if they cause death. There will be discounts for taking courses on animal welfare.

On the other hand, the law establishes that those convicted of violence against animals will not be able to have pets for periods between 5 and 7 years.

There is also a preventive component, which is why a national care route is being created, which must be ready within six months, to deal with reports of animal abuse in a quick and timely manner. So much so that there would be a rapid response from the authorities for cases of minor abuse.

As part of this new route, judges, prosecutors and police authorities are ordered to receive training in issues related to animal welfare.

“Today we have passed a law that will truly allow us to fight against the worst forms of violence suffered by animals in Colombia,” said Andrea Padilla, the author of the initiative.

Juan Sebastian Lombo Delgado