Colombia

Summary: This overview discusses the emergence of the concept of the “multispecies family” in Latin American courts. It gives a brief explanation of the fundamental information that gave rise to the concept of the recognition of the multispecies family including its ties to both national and universal human rights. This paper then discusses and analyzes a compilation of some of the most landmark cases regarding multispecies families

Summary: This paper will discuss the emergence of the concept of the “multispecies family” in Latin American courts. The paper begins first by taking a broad overview of animal law in Latin America, giving a brief understanding of the fundamental information that gave rise to the concept of the recognition of the multispecies family. It then covers the basis of a multispecies family and its ties to both national and universal human rights. This paper then discusses and analyzes a compilation of some of the most landmark cases regarding multispecies families and their importance to animal welfare, natural protection, and human rights. It then provides a brief overview of several other landmark cases for further reading. Finally, it concludes with closing remarks regarding the overall impact of multispecies families’ legal recognition and its impact on up-and-coming animal law, as well as provides several sources for further information.

Summary: La Ley 2385 prohíbe las corridas, el rejoneo, las novilladas, becerradas y tientas en todo el territorio Colombiano. El objetivo de esta ley es fomentar una transformación cultural basada en el reconocimiento y respeto por la vida de los animales. Algunos de los puntos clave de esta ley incluye un modelo de transición que otorga un plazo de tres años para eliminar gradualmente las corridas de toros y prácticas similares, la creación de un plan de "reconversión" laboral y cultural para ayudar a quienes dependen económicamente de estas industrias a encontrar nuevas formas de sustento, y la reutilización de las plazas de toros de propiedad pública para usos culturales, recreativos, deportivos y artísticos. Además, esta nueva ley crea un comité interinstitucional compuesto por funcionarios gubernamentales y representantes de la industria taurina encargado de supervisar la implementación y el cumplimiento de la ley y del programa de reconversión. Finalmente, ordena al Ministerio de Culturas, Artes y Saberes a implementar políticas, programas y acciones para promover la protección animal y desincentivar la tauromaquia de forma gradual en la sociedad, mostrando los perjuicios y consecuencias de estas prácticas.

Summary: Law 2385 establishes a nationwide ban on the practices of bullfighting, rejoneo, novilladas, becerradas, and tientas. Its purpose is to foster a cultural transformation rooted in the recognition and respect for the lives of animals. Some of the key points of this law include a transitional model that provides a three-year timeline to phase out bullfighting and similar practices, the creation of a labor and cultural “reconversion” plan for transitioning those who economically depend on these industries to new livelihoods and to repurpose publicly owned bullfighting arenas for cultural, recreational, sports, and artistic uses. Additionally, this new law creates an interinstitutional committee comprising government officials and bullfighting industry representatives tasked with overseeing the implementation and compliance with this law and the reconversion program. Finally, it directs the Ministry of Cultures, Arts, and Knowledges to implement policies, programs, and activities to encourage animal protection and discourage bullfighting by highlighting its harms and consequences.

Summary: El objeto de la presente ley es erradicar el sufrimiento innecesario producido a los ejemplares de fauna silvestre rescatada o decomisada por las autoridades ambientales, en los casos que requiera ser transportada para recibir tratamientos y rehabilitación con condiciones específicas, y con carácter de urgencia a centros especializados donde recibirán atención para garantizar su bienestar, así como el transporte para su posterior liberación o reubicación a un establecimiento según el concepto técnico emitido. Los animales silvestres deben ser tratados como seres sintientes a la hora de ser transportados vía aérea, terrestre o fluvial.”

Summary: The purpose of this law is to eradicate the unnecessary suffering caused to wildlife specimens rescued or seized by the environmental authorities, in cases that require transportation for treatment and rehabilitation under specific conditions, and urgently to specialized centers where they will receive care to ensure their welfare, as well as transportation for their subsequent release or relocation to an establishment according to the technical concept issued. Wild animals must be treated as sentient beings when transported.

Summary: “Objeto. Crear e implementar el Programa Nacional de Esterilización Quirúrgica de Gatos y Perros como método ético de control de la natalidad, con el fin de reducir los fenómenos de maltrato, sufrimiento e indigencia animal, propender por un ambiente sano, y mitigar los riesgo para la salud pública asociados a ia presencia de animales en las calles.”

Summary: This law creates and implements the National Program of Surgical Sterilization of Cats and Dogs as an ethical method of birth control, in order to reduce the phenomena of mistreatment, suffering, and animal indigence, to promote a healthy environment, and to mitigate the risks to public health associated with the presence of animals in the streets.