Venezuelan Cattle Ranchers Demand Harsher Penalties in New Agrarian Law Draft

Venezuela's National Assembly has passed a draft agrarian law in its first discussion, but the National Federation of Cattle Ranchers (Fedenaga) is urging for significant amendments, particularly concerning the penalties for cattle rustling. Fedenaga argues that the current draft lacks sufficient punitive measures to deter this persistent crime.

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We see that the instrument that went to the first discussion still lacks penalties and discussion for theft and cattle rustling. That they have truly significant penalties.

Edgar Medina, president of Fedenaga, expressed strong concerns after reviewing the initial draft, pointing out "worrying legal loopholes" in the sanctioning framework. He stated that individuals caught committing cattle theft are often released on precautionary measures within two to three days, undermining the law's effectiveness. "We see that the instrument that went to the first discussion still lacks penalties and discussion for theft and cattle rustling. That they have truly significant penalties," Medina criticized.

This demand for stricter penalties is not new. For the past four years, agricultural producers have called for robust sanctions in rural areas to protect their properties. They argue that the existing legislation does not impose penalties proportionate to the severity of cattle rustling and theft. Medina emphasized that ensuring food security requires protecting ranchers' assets, alongside legal and personal safety.

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The people who commit these crimes and are caught in the act, then leave with precautionary measures after two or three days.

Carlos Albornoz, former president of Fedenaga and current president of the Venezuelan Institute of Milk and Meat (Invelecar), echoed these concerns. He noted that the sector is awaiting authorities to consider producers' priorities, including personal and economic security, and effective measures against extortion and the theft of livestock and equipment. Albornoz stressed that these essential issues are not adequately addressed in the current proposal, highlighting the need for a more rigorous and comprehensive legal framework.

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We were expecting them to speak strongly about personal and economic security, and the fight against and penalization of cattle rustling, against extortion and the theft of cattle and our work equipment.