A new case of aggression against a dog that was tied to a post, which has caused outrage and reaction for animal abuse was announced.
On average, one Q54 thousand a year is the amount for the infractions and sanctions against the people who are found as responsible, which collects the Animal Welfare Unit (UBA) assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (Maga), for the complaints and processes that it has intervened.
“From the entry into force of the Animal Protection and Welfare Law in 2017 to date, the total amount collected by fines applied by animal abuse amounts to Q432 thousand 514.06,” said the entity.
These resources are distributed, according to the norm, 70% are assigned to the UBA for programs for the strengthening of rescue centers, associations and NGOs that are involved in the rescue, protection and well -being of domestic animals.
Cases are classified by animal abuse or cruelty in three categories: serious infractions, very serious infractions and very serious infractions, which are sanctioned with fines of four, eight and 12 minimum wages.
Complaints increase
From 2022 to the first quarter of 2025, 1,15 complaints have been received for animal abuse, being Guatemala, Sacatepéquez, Quetzaltenango, Alta Verapaz and Quiché the departments that most concentrate them, and the least amount is Huehuetenango.
For example, Guatemala has an accumulated of 603 complaints, equivalent to 51%; Sacatepéquez, 130 (11%); Xela, 100 (8.5%), Alta Verapaz, 56 (4.7%); and Quiché, 32 (2.7%), according to the count.
“An increase in complaints for animal abuse has been observed, which responds largely to greater citizen awareness and the strengthening of the culture of denunciation”
Animal Welfare Unit
Regarding the growth of records in cases, this agency reported that an increase in complaints for animal abuse has been observed, which responds largely to greater citizen consciousness and the strengthening of the culture of denunciation.
Part is also due to the dissemination of the Animal Protection and Welfare Law, which has allowed more people to know their rights and duties in relation to animals, as well as the appropriate channels to file complaints.
So far from the first quarter of 2025 139 processes have been managed, so it is considered a positive indicator since more and more people are willing to report cases of abuse, driven by greater consciousness and access to adequate complaint channels.
Type of abuse denounced
As for the records by type of abuse and the cases attended, they are:
- Do not guarantee animal welfare conditions
- Animal cruelty
- Allow the displacement of the animal on public roads, without supervision of the person in charge, owner or care
- Movement restriction
- Poison or poison an animal