Chilean Chamber of Deputies approves ban on dog racing

The Chilean Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill to prohibit and penalize dog racing nationwide. The measure, which modifies the Law on Responsible Pet Ownership (Ley Cholito), passed with 80 votes in favor, 41 against, and 7 abstentions.

Under the proposed law, organizers and participants in dog races could face prison sentences and significant fines ranging from 20 to 40 monthly tax units (UTM). Additionally, those who promote or facilitate such events could face fines between 5 and 20 UTM, and violators may be permanently barred from owning animals.

During a special session, lawmakers also debated a competing proposal that sought to regulate the activity through veterinary controls and track safety standards. However, that regulatory project was rejected with 68 votes against and 50 in favor, effectively archiving the attempt to legalize the practice under specific conditions.

The bill now returns to the Environment Commission for detailed review before proceeding to the Senate. Animal rights groups, including Galgo Libre, have strongly supported the ban, citing issues of abuse, abandonment, and physical injury to greyhounds.