An incident of **animal abuse** caused outrage on social media after a video went viral. They stole geese from the lakes of Palermo, in the City of Buenos Aires (**CABA**), took them to a pool, and shared videos on the internet.
In the footage later shared, a young man is seen stealing two animals from the well-known green space in the Capital, along with an accomplice.
What generated the most rejection is that the water, **with a high chlorine content**, is highly detrimental to the birds.
The theft of geese in Palermo
The incident occurred at night on Avenida Sarmiento, in a sparsely populated area. The footage shows the young man, around 20 years old, **attracting the birds with breadcrumbs**.
When the geese approach to eat, the thief and his accomplice pounce on them, roughly grabbing them by the neck. Immediately after, they are seen fleeing the scene in a car that was waiting nearby.
Animal abuse and harm to the birds’ health
Subsequently, the duo posted a second viral video showing the birds in a pool. This act was described as a clear **example of animal abuse**, as the birds were not only taken from their natural habitat but also **exposed to a hostile environment**.
Experts point out that **chlorinated water can cause irritation on the skin and feet** of the geese, and even accidental ingestion of this substance can cause serious gastrointestinal problems.
The incident caught the attention of the authorities. And, supposedly, despite no formal complaint, the **Environmental Crimes Division of the City Police** initiated an investigation to find those responsible.
Buenos Aires City toughens penalties for animal abuse
This incident occurs in a context of particular attention from the district to animal protection. Recently, it significantly toughened the **sanctions for animal abuse and ****pet abandonment**.
With the approval of a new **animal welfare law**, fines are significantly strengthened for those who mistreat, abandon, or neglect their pets.
The regulations introduce harsher penalties to **dissuade abuse**. There will be fines of up to **$8 million pesos**, community service for up to 60 days, and the possibility of arrest in the most severe cases:
- Fines of up to $8,000,000
- Community service for up to 90 days.
- Arrest from 15 to 30 days, especially in cases of severe abandonment.
- Prohibition of having contact with animals for a maximum of two years.
One of the central axes of the law is the creation of the **Animal Abusers Registry**, which will include people with a final conviction for illegal breeding of animals, abandonment, or mistreatment.
The law also addresses other common abuse situations. For example, leaving a pet in a vehicle **without ventilation** will be punished **with up to 60 days of community service** and fines of up to $2,794,273.
Furthermore, **illegal breeding of animals** is sanctioned, which can now result in fines of almost $4 million and 90 days of public work.
