Summary:
This law establishes the rights and responsibilities of those in possession of companion animals and establishes general duties such as adequate treatment, and meeting the needs of the animal according to their species. Some important aspects of this law include the prohibition of companion animal fighting when it is organized as an event, the training of animals to reinforce aggressive behavior, and the sacrifice of animals as a method of population control. It also prohibits the abandonment of animals and the selling of animals in the streets. It strengthens penalties for animal cruelty in the criminal code and Law No. N°20.380 (Animal protection statute), and imposes jail time and an absolute prohibition to possess animals for those found to commit animal cruelty.
Documents:
LEY-21020_02-AGO-2017 (1).pdf (69.49 KB)
This law establishes the rights and responsibilities of those in possession of companion animals. It contains the norms for the protection of health and animal welfare through responsible ownership. It also establishes norms to protect public health, people’s safety, the environment, and protected natural areas by applying measures to control the population of pets.
This law seeks to regulate the responsibility for damages to people and property that are the result of the action of pets or companion animals.
Ley 21.020 defines pets or companion animals as “those domestic animals, whatever their species may be, that are maintained by people for company or safety purposes."