The Bogotá District Administration (Colombia) issued Decree 069 of 2026, which adopts the Plan for a Public Space Free of Economic Exploitation of Animals and Animal Abuse.
This is an unprecedented measure that seeks to ensure the welfare of species used in lucrative activities within the city, such as llamas, alpacas, horses, and non-conventional domestic animals.
Context and reasons
The District Institute for Animal Protection and Welfare (IDPYBA) had identified cases of irresponsible ownership, cruelty, and abuse in activities involving larger species. These practices not only affected animal welfare but also the proper use of public space.
The decree proposes a comprehensive approach: protecting the lives of animals while also supporting people and families who economically depend on these activities towards dignified productive alternatives.
Implementation stages
The Plan will be developed in three phases:
- Characterization: identification of animals and people in vulnerable situations.
- Institutional offer: routes for labor conversion and animal substitution, with support from the Secretariat of Economic Development, IPES, and IDT.
- Progressive implementation: differential and focused attention, ensuring human and animal accompaniment.
Additionally, pedagogical campaigns will be promoted to foster a civic culture based on respect and care for animals, encouraging tourism and recreation practices free of abuse.
Custody and responsible adoption
The IDPYBA will be responsible for welcoming and taking custody of the larger species that enter the program, promoting their responsible adoption and ensuring they are not exploited again.
“This decree marks a before and after in the way we understand our relationship with animals in the city. We are not only protecting their lives and welfare, but we are also accompanying people towards dignified and sustainable alternatives,” stated Antonio Hernández Llamas, director of IDPYBA.
Role of the citizens
Cases of alleged animal abuse can be reported through the line 123, the email [email protected], the platform Bogotá te Escucha, or directly to the Prosecutor’s Office and the Inspections of Coexistence and Peace.
With this measure, Bogotá moves towards a model of a more empathetic and life-caring city, where public space is conceived free of economic exploitation of animals. The decree not only protects species but also offers alternatives for those who depended on these practices, consolidating a socially and environmentally responsible approach.
