Animal rights and animal protection laws

Published on: March 27, 2024

Reading time: 2 min

Animal rights and animal protection laws

Globally, the importance of protecting the rights of animals and treating them with respect and consideration is increasingly recognized. Although there is no single, universal legal framework for animal rights, several international treaties and agreements establish principles and guidelines for their protection. In addition, many countries, including Colombia, have enacted specific laws to safeguard animal rights and welfare.

Animal rights worldwide:

Globally, some of the principles and rights recognized for the protection of animals include:

Universal Declaration of Animal Rights (DUDA): Adopted in 1978 by the International League for Animal Rights, the DUDA establishes ethical principles for the protection of animals and seeks to promote their welfare and prevent their suffering.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): This convention regulates international trade in animal and plant species to ensure their survival and prevent illegal trafficking.
Global Strategy for the Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources and the Interlaken Declaration: These documents seek to ensure that the world’s livestock biodiversity is used to promote global food security and remains available for future generations.

Animal rights in Colombia:

In Colombia, animal protection is supported by the 1991 Political Constitution and other specific laws. Some of the most important laws for the protection of animals in Colombia are:

Law 84 of 1989: This law establishes the basic rules on the use, care and protection of domestic and wild animals in the country. It also prohibits the mistreatment and abandonment of animals.
Law 1333 of 2009: This law defines administrative sanctions for environmental infractions, including those related to animal abuse.
Law 1774 of 2016: This law establishes harsher penalties for the mistreatment and killing of animals, typifying the crime as an act of animal cruelty.

In addition to these specific laws, Colombia has regulations governing animal welfare in sectors such as scientific research, transportation, hunting and fishing, among others.

It is important to note that although significant progress has been made in the protection of animals in Colombia, there are still challenges and greater awareness and commitment is required from society and the authorities to guarantee their welfare and respect at the local and national level. The protection of animal rights is a shared responsibility that benefits both animals and society as a whole.