National Deputy Silvana Giudici (Pro) presented a bill proposing the creation of the National Registry of Persons Who Commit Acts of Abuse and/or Cruelty Against Animals, within the framework of Law 14.346, which penalizes animal abuse in Argentina.
The purpose of the registry is to centralize information on individuals convicted of animal abuse crimes, preventing them from owning, adopting, or working with animals. The platform will be publicly accessible and will allow any citizen to check records, provided they identify themselves with their full name and ID.
“Violence against animals cannot be considered a minor issue,” said Giudici, who emphasized the need for effective tools to protect animals and prevent recurrences.
Mandatory Consultation for Adoptions and Transfers
The bill establishes that all individuals, shelters, or organizations that hand over, adopt, or transfer animals must compulsorily consult the registry. If the person is listed in the database, they cannot have custody or care of animals.
Additionally, it provides for the issuance of official certificates by the Ministry of Justice, through the National Recidivism Registry, and the preparation of annual statistical reports on registered cases.
Legal Recognition and Advances in Animal Rights
The proposal is part of a growing trend of legal recognition of animals as subjects of rights, supported by historic rulings such as the habeas corpus for the orangutan Sandra (2014) and the chimpanzee Cecilia (2016).
Animal Abuse: An Ethical, Social, and Environmental Issue
The fight against animal abuse is key to:
- Preventing social violence: Studies show there is a correlation between animal abuse and violence towards people, especially in contexts of family violence.
- Fostering empathy and respect: Animal protection promotes ethical values that strengthen the social fabric.
- Protecting the environment: Animal abuse can imply environmental damage, such as habitat destruction or pollution.
Strengthening the Law and Citizen Awareness
Although Law 14.346 penalizes abuse, complaints continue to rise, highlighting the need for:
- Greater enforcement of the law and awareness campaigns
- Active citizen participation, through reports to 911 or prosecutors
- Legislative reforms, such as the “Conan Law” project, which seeks to toughen penalties for animal abuse
The registry proposed by Giudici represents a concrete step towards a public policy of prevention, justice, and animal protection, aligned with the principles of welfare, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Its implementation could mark a turning point in how Argentina addresses violence against animals and its link to other forms of structural violence.
