Colombia-2024-Ley-2374-de-2024-mandatory-spay-and-neuter-spanish.pdf (148.22 KB)
This law makes it mandatory, as of 2027, to sterilize both male and female “homeless” or “community” cats and dogs, for the benefit of their quality of life and to minimize public health concerns. This law, interestingly, distinguished between "homeless" and "community" animals.
"Homeless" animals are considered truly "stray." These animals do not have a home nor "belong" to anyone.
"Community" animals, however, are in a midground between "stray" and "owned" or "homed." These animals do not necessarily belong to an owner or have a true home, but are nonetheless taken care of collectively by the community they reside in.
This law also describes the exact type of sterilization surgery, the conditions of the operating rooms, as well as the handling and release of the animal once recovered.
The law makes clear that access to sterilization and animal health education should exist to all people, so as to promote healthy living environments for all, which is a constitutionally given right. To do so, the law provides for and identifies distinct sources of funding for the national program.