The Municipality of Neuquén is taking a stand in animal rights by creating a registry of irresponsible caregivers and abusers of domestic animals. This registry will list repeat offenders who have been sanctioned for this reason and will require them to take courses on responsible care. The City Council unanimously approved the initiative proposed by the municipality, and once the official legislative process is complete, the ordinance will come into effect immediately upon its regulation by the Municipality.
Individuals who have been repeatedly sanctioned for failing to responsibly care for their domestic animals, as ordered by the Magistrate of Offenses, will be registered. Those with final convictions in criminal cases involving non-human domestic animals as victims will also be included in the registry. Andrea Ferraciolli, the Deputy Secretary of Healthy City, explained that being listed in the registry will have various consequences, including a two-year ban on owning non-human animals and the requirement to attend a training course on animal rights determined by the relevant authority.
This training must be completed within the first six months of registration and aims to raise awareness about the rights of non-human animals, promoting responsible care and preventing abandonment, exploitation, abuse, and cruelty. In addition to these measures, offenders may face significant fines and the loss of tax benefits for early payment in Neuquén. Ferraciolli highlighted the efforts to combat violence against non-human animals since the start of Mayor Mariano Gaido’s term, with support from Luciana De Giovanetti, Secretary of Human Rights, Institutional Relations, and International Cooperation.
De Giovanetti praised the legislative support for ongoing public policies on non-human animal rights over the past five years. She emphasized the significance of being the first in the country to establish such a registry, underscoring the importance of collaboration with non-governmental organizations, the Association of Lawyers and Attorneys in Animal Law of Neuquén, Magistrates, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The joint effort reflects the commitment to protecting animals and promoting responsible ownership, setting an example for other regions to follow in safeguarding animal welfare and rights.