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La Paz, Bolivia – Deputy Manolo rojas (PDC) has announced a legislative project to strengthen Law 700, Bolivia’s animal welfare law, with a focus on increasing penalties for animal abuse and biocrime. The proposed legislation, nicknamed “Pantuque“ after a high-profile animal abuse case, aims to improve animal protection across the nation.
Key Components of the Proposed Legislation
The proposed amendments to Law 700 center around three key areas, according to Deputy Rojas:
- Increased Penalties: The legislation seeks to impose stricter punishments, including potential imprisonment, for individuals convicted of animal cruelty.
- National Animal Registry: A national animal registry, or “carnetización,” will be established to increase owner obligation and accountability.
- Public Health Integration: The bill aims to integrate animal welfare with public health initiatives.
In addition to these core components, the legislation will also focus on expanding access to animal sterilization programs.
Addressing Rabies and Animal Overpopulation
Deputy Rojas highlighted the importance of a national sterilization campaign to combat the spread of rabies and reduce the number of stray animals. “There is a lot of concern about the number of people dying from rabies. There are very alarming figures, and that is as people raise pets, sadly abandon them on the street, and these animals are victims of accidents, etc., but also animals proliferate because they are reproducing every day,” he stated.
support from Animal Welfare Organizations
Silveria Laureano, a representative from the animal welfare association Huellitas, expressed gratitude to Deputy Rojas for championing the legislative changes.She emphasized that the commitment to revise Law 700 was made during his political campaign and urged other lawmakers to support the initiative.”We ask the deputy, from his Commission, to ask his colleagues, the deputies, the senators, to join this initiative,” Laureano said.
Background: Law 700
Law 700,enacted in Bolivia,provides a legal framework for the protection of animals.It establishes penalties for mistreatment, abandonment, and unnecessary killing of animals. The proposed amendments aim to strengthen these provisions and improve enforcement mechanisms.Pagina