On Thursday, the Legislative Assembly approved in first reading the bill that punishes animal abuse with jail.
The initiative, which had 46 votes in favor, entered the legislative stream almost six years ago and has faced a road full of stumbling and questioning from the Constitutional Chamber.
The new replacement text was the result of an agreement signed by legislators from all parliamentary factions.
The congressmen arrived at a consensual definition of ‘animals’, with the purpose of correcting the flaws pointed out by the Constitutional Chamber.
The jail sentences are as follows:
• From 3 months to 1 year for causing damage to an animal, performing sexual acts with animals and practicing vivisection.
• From 3 months to 2 years for causing the death of an animal.
• From 3 months to 1 year for organizing and promoting or animal fights.
The law also establishes fines ranging from ¢ 106 thousand to ¢ 212 thousand.
This is the third time that the Legislative Assembly votes on the animal welfare project. The procedure had to be repeated after observations made by the Constitutional Chamber.