The draft law that would punish animal abuse with jail will be voted in the legislative plenary next Thursday, according to legislators from the parties Acción Ciudadana (PAC) and National Liberation (PLN).
The debated promises to be heated and legislators are still involved by the definition of the term “animal.”
Those who advocate a broader concept presented a substitute text to the bill that entered through popular initiative and hope that this is the one that will be debated on Thursday.
This proposal includes domestic and domesticated animals , as well as wildlife species outside protected areas.
We have said from the beginning that we do not want justice just for pets. I do not know what else they want to exclude, and if they vote, there we will see,”
said lawmaker Marcela Guerrero from the Citizen Action Party (PAC).
Juan Marín, from the National Liberation Party (PLN), presented another text on Tuesday, which restricts the definition of animals and establishes exceptions.
The concept they are raising in the substitute text is extremely open. It continues to protect domesticated animals, under human control and added wild animals that are outside protected areas,”
said Marín.
He explained that his proposal is to include only pets that are company for humans and excludes those used in sports and productive activities.
According to Marín, the project that drives the other congressmen had the flaws of unconstitutionality noted by the Constitutional Court.
However, his counterpart Ronny Monge said that Marín
wants to impose a text that goes against what is agreed by fractions and social groups.”
Before voting on the text, legislators will have to hear 19 amendments.