Animal Protection Law

Animal abuse is a social problem that has long been neglected in Panama. Animals are constantly mistreated, thus violating their lives, by people who do not understand that they are able to feel the same pain and suffering as humans.

In Panama, Law 70 of 2012, amended by Law 133 of 2020, grants judges the power to sanction conduct that constitutes animal abuse. In this regard, the penalties contained in the Penal Code have been increased, which means that today anyone who causes death or serious injury to an animal faces a penalty of 2 to 4 years of prison.

In addition, misdemeanors such as negligence, abandonment, and injuries to animals are the responsibility of the justices of the peace and involve fines ranging from US$100.00 to US$1,000.00, community work, and attending a 40-hour course against abuse and animal rights.