Chile's Chamber of Deputies to vote on ban of greyhound racing

On Monday, 3 August, the Chilean Chamber of Deputies will hold a session to decide a bill that seeks to prohibit the organization of greyhound (galgo) dog races nationwide. The proposal, presented in 2019 and aimed at amending Law No 20.380 on animal protection, would impose prison terms of 61 to 540 days and fines ranging from 2 to 30 UTM on organizers, as well as penalties for promoters and disseminators. Lawmakers are divided: animal‑rights groups argue the races involve abusive training, confinement and potential doping, while supporters claim the activity is a traditional practice of breeders and families. Critics, including legal expert Luis Peredo of Fundación Arca, warn that the draft contains serious legislative and ethical flaws, such as granting local police courts sanctioning powers without prior administrative procedures.