Paraguay: Animal Defense Directorate denounces judicial and prosecutorial inaction in abuse cases

Paraguay's National Directorate for Animal Defense, Health, and Welfare has publicly denounced what it calls widespread disinterest and negligence from the Public Ministry and the Judiciary in prosecuting animal abuse cases. The strong criticism comes in the wake of a judicial decision ordering the return of a dog named Canela to her original owners, despite suffering severe jaw injuries after a firecracker exploded in her mouth.

Héctor Luis Rubin, director of the Animal Defense Directorate, stated that his institution, which initially reported the case after identifying it on social media, was completely excluded from notifications regarding the legal process. He expressed dismay that Judge Carmen Rosana Román ordered Canela's return to the environment where the alleged aggression occurred, citing a report from the acting prosecutor. Rubin questioned the content of these reports, suggesting a lack of connection between institutions.

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No me parece correcto que la perrita vuelva a un entorno donde sufrió esta barbaridad. Hay una sensación bastante desagradable de que existe poca conexión entre las instituciones.

Rubin announced that the directorate's legal department would intervene in the case file to attempt to halt or delay Canela's transfer. He also revealed that he contacted Canela's original owner, requesting she cede definitive adoption to the rescue organization that saved the dog's life. However, the owner reportedly called the judicial ruling "a gift from God" and expressed happiness that "the truth will finally be known," while also claiming to have been aware of the dog's health, a claim the Animal Defense Directorate disputes.

The director further described the daily experience of seeking urgent interventions from the Public Ministry as "horrendous," citing a recent case involving dogs locked in an abandoned, unsanitary house. These experiences, he contends, highlight systemic issues in how animal welfare cases are handled within Paraguay's legal and prosecutorial systems.

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al fin se sabrá la verdad