Some practices were exempt after the decision and can continue to be carried out.
News Colombia.
In a historic decision, the Constitutional Court of Colombia prohibited procedures on animals, such as the mutilation of ears or tails, that were carried out under the excuse of being “aesthetic practices.” This measure responds to a lawsuit presented in 2024, supported by the Ministry of Environment and the Attorney General’s Office.
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A 1989 law allowed these surgeries to be performed, under the justification that their purpose was purely “aesthetic.” However, the lawsuit argued that these practices were not only unnecessary, but represented a serious risk to the integrity of the animals.
In its ruling, the Court declared the unenforceability of the expression “aesthetic” contained in article 6 of Law 84 of 1989. According to the official statement, the court highlighted that this modification aims to protect animals from acts that may be considered cruel or unnecessary. From now on, any invasive procedure that is not justified for health reasons will be prohibited.
In the following link ▶️ https://t.co/0ZfDirCzwK Citizens can access the two rulings contained in official statement 49 of the Plenary Chamber (November 7) pic.twitter.com/a7PgVcAZGr
— Constitutional Court (@CConstitucional) November 13, 2024
Despite the decision, there are some exceptions
However, the Court made it clear that there are exceptions. Surgical interventions that are carried out for technical, scientific or zooprophylactic reasons, such as those that seek to prevent diseases or improve the animal’s quality of life, will continue to be permitted.
Furthermore, the court stressed the importance of recognizing animals as sentient beingswhich implies that they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, as established by the Political Constitution from Colombia. In this way, the Court reaffirms its commitment to animal protection and welfare.
GREAT NEWS! 👏
The @CConstitutional overturned the rule that allowed animal mutilations for ‘aesthetic’ reasons. Therefore, it is now prohibited to remove, destroy, mutilate or alter any limb, organ or appendage of a living animal.
They are sentient beings. pic.twitter.com/UIuDHWlZto
— M. Environmentalista Col (@mambientalistac) November 13, 2024
It is important to note that this decision It does not affect practices such as periodic nail or hair trimming in some species, since these are not considered cruel or constitute abuse.. According to the Court, such procedures do not affect the animal’s living tissues and are common in routine pet care.
The Constitutional Court has taken a crucial step to ensure that pets are treated with the care and protection they deserve, and has sent a clear message against animal abuse disguised as aesthetics.
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