2024-09-02 14:08:18
The protection of animal rights in Colombia has taken a significant step with the approval in the first debate of the ‘Angel’ Law by the First Commission of the Senate.
Recently, with 17 votes in favor, this bill, led by Senator Andrea Padilla, was approved, seeking to toughen sentences in cases of animal abuse, covering everything from sexual abuse to the murder of animals.
Senator Padilla, a fervent defender of animal rights, explained that the ‘Angel’ Law aims to animal abusers, sexual abusers and murderers face harsher penalties. “In serious cases of animal abuse, such as rape, the convicted person will not be able to access criminal benefits and will have to serve the sentence in prison, as occurs in serious crimes against persons,” said Padilla during the session.
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The bill also proposes an update of the conduct considered as animal abuse, ensuring that the most atrocious acts against animals are punished with more rigorous sentences and without the possibility of reduced sentences.Animals can no longer be considered less important in our justice system“, the senator added, stressing the need for a legal system that reflects the seriousness of these crimes.
The law is named after ‘Ángel’, a dog who was the victim of brutal torture in Saboyá, Boyacá, in 2021. Despite widespread condemnation and complaints, the aggressor has not been brought to justice, which inspired Senator Padilla to push for this project. ‘Ángel’, who underwent 15 surgeries and two blood transfusions after the attack, became a symbol of the fight against animal abuse in ColombiaHer case, the most serious case of animal abuse that has survived in the country, has generated a popular outcry for stricter and more effective justice.
The Angel Law is now moving into the next legislative stages, with the hope that, once approved, it will become a key instrument to ensure that those responsible for cruel acts against animals face harsher penalties and that these crimes do not go unpunished.
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