Colombia imprisons man for animal abuse under new law
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In Colombia, authorities sent Edwin Vélez Cardozo to jail after accusing him of sexually abusing a dog named Luna.
Prosecutors began investigating Vélez after finding evidence Luna suffered injuries including bleeding, inflammation, and permanent organ damage. The investigation showed Vélez held Luna on August 30 in San Vicente de Chucurí, a municipality in Santander department, and brought her to his home where the abuse allegedly occurred.
Luna exhibited changes in behavior following the abuse, including decreased activity, loss of appetite, isolation, and fear around people. A prosecutor with support from the Animal Maltreatment Combat Group charged Vélez with “carnal access to an animal.” Vélez denied the charges, but a judge ordered him held in jail while the investigation continues. The case marks the first time someone in Colombia has been imprisoned for zoophilia, following the passage of Law No. 2627 in August.
This new law sets a penalty of 48 to 55 months in prison for the crime of “carnal access to an animal.” Senator Esmeralda Hernández, who championed the law, stated she is requesting the maximum sentence for Vélez.
