Chilean Chamber of Deputies approves ban on greyhound racing

The Chilean Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill to prohibit and sanction greyhound racing, with a vote of 80 in favor, 41 against, and seven abstentions. While the project must return to the Environment Commission for further indications and a subsequent vote in the lower house before moving to the Senate, animal rights advocates have hailed the decision as a major victory.

Experts suggest this legislative progress provides an opportunity to modernize broader animal welfare laws in Chile. Key pending issues include the legal recognition of animals as sentient beings through modifications to the Civil Code, updating responsible pet ownership regulations, and strengthening the legal framework for veterinary medicine.

Despite the legislative success, animal rights rescuers report facing threats from racing proponents on social media. The bill now faces further scrutiny as opponents attempt to introduce amendments that might allow for the continued regulation of the practice rather than a total ban.