Colombia approved the Ángel Law and took a historic step for the country in terms of defending animal rights and fighting animal abuse.
The regulation emerges as the most important legal tool to combat the most serious forms of violence against animals. It strengthens penalties, grants authorities additional powers, and even legislates on education.
What does the Ángel Law say?
The Ángel Law essentially establishes stricter penalties for those who commit acts of animal cruelty.
Ángel, a cruelty victim, after whom the law is named. (Photo: AsociacionMi / X)
Among the most notable provisions is the increase in the prison sentence for those who intentionally kill an animal, seriously injure it, or subject it to sexual abuse.
These sentences will exceed three years in prison, meaning that these crimes will no longer be eligible for parole.
Furthermore, economic fines will also increase significantly, ranging from 15 to 30 minimum wages in cases of serious injuries, and from 30 to 60 minimum wages when the act results in the death of the animal.
The regulation introduces new aggravating factors for crimes against animals. Among them, vicarious violence, which refers to using an animal as a means to cause emotional harm to another person, the dissemination of pornography or scenes of animal violence, and aggression towards animals in the context of economic activities.
Mutilation of animals and other behaviors will also be penalized.
Urgency Cases
In the law enforcement realm, the Ángel Law enables the National Police to enter homes when there is clear evidence that an animal’s life is in imminent danger.
Law against animal abuse in Colombia.
The law also has implications in the educational field, through the sensitization and training of justice operators. Prosecutors, judges, police inspectors, among others, must receive mandatory training on animal protection.
Ángel’s harsh story, the face behind the law
The new regulation owes its name and origin to the dog Ángel, who became a symbol of the fight against animal abuse in Colombia. He died a few days ago due to complications from the aftermath of the brutal attack he suffered in 2021.
On a street, he was the victim of a heinous act of violence: a man, under the influence of hallucinogenic substances, attacked him with a machete and skinned him alive.
He was left alive with about 80% of his body without skin. This case shocked society and highlighted the urgency of strengthening measures against animal abuse.
Despite the severity of the attack and the complaints filed by the dog’s caregiver, the assailant of Ángel remains at large.
What is needed for the implementation of the Ángel Law
With unanimous approval in Congress, the text of the law must be reconciled between the House of Representatives and the Senate before being sanctioned by President Gustavo Petro.
Have you visited our YouTube channel yet? Subscribe now!
