Peru’s Congress approved a new law that toughens penalties for animal abuse and could send to prison for up to 8 years those who cause the death of domestic or wild animals through acts of cruelty.
The measure was approved on May 15, 2026 with 91 votes in favor and amends article 206-A of the Penal Code.
In addition to punishing extreme assaults, the law also increases penalties for abandonment, abuse, and violence recorded or shared on social media. The initiative seeks to respond to growing public rejection of animal abuse cases that have gone viral in the country.
