Animal abuse: which municipalities imposed fines for violence against pets in 2023?

Despite Peru's Animal Protection and Welfare Law (Law No. 30407), aggression against domestic animals, particularly dogs, continues to rise. Following a widely publicized incident where a pug was stabbed, public outcry has intensified demands for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws. Several municipalities within the Lima region have taken action this year by imposing fines on residents for animal cruelty. As of 2023, the municipalities of Miraflores, Surco, Magdalena del Mar, and Bellavista have issued penalties for such offenses. Miraflores issued the highest fine, S/4,950 (equivalent to one Taxable Unit - UIT), to an individual attempting to abandon a kitten. Other municipalities have imposed fines ranging from S/742.50 to less than S/2,500 for infractions including unsanitary living conditions for pets, physical abuse, and abandonment. Individuals witnessing animal abuse can report it to the Ministry of the Interior via the Central Unified Reporting system, by calling 181, or emailing denunciasmininter.gob.pe. Reports can also be made to the nearest police station, the National Forest Service (Serfor), or the Ministry Public's hotline (0800-00-25).