Asociación Rural del Paraguay supports tougher cattle theft penalties

The Asociación Rural del Paraguay (ARP) has expressed support for a bill aimed at increasing penalties for cattle theft, known as abigeato, and expanding legal responsibility across the criminal supply chain. The proposal, which has already received partial approval from the Chamber of Deputies, is currently under review by the Senate.

Under the proposed legislation, aggravated cases could result in prison sentences of up to 15 years. The bill also establishes sentences of two to ten years for the theft of one or more heads of livestock.

Miguel Doldán, president of the ARP's Legal and Statutory Affairs Commission, emphasized that small-scale producers are the most affected by these crimes. Approximately 74% of Paraguay's livestock owners possess fewer than 50 head of cattle. For these small producers, the theft of even two or three animals can represent a significant loss of productive capital and threaten family livelihoods.