Colombia implements first preventive prison sentence under new animal sexual abuse law

Edwin Vélez Cardozo has been sent to preventive prison for the first time in Colombia following the implementation of the ‘No Más Zoofilia’ law. The accused is charged with sexual abuse of a dog named Luna in the municipality of San Vicente de Chucurí, Santander.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, the abuse caused the animal permanent organ damage, inflammation, and bleeding. The investigation noted behavioral changes in the dog, including isolation and fear of people. A prosecutor from Santander, supported by the Special Group for the Fight against Animal Mistreatment (Gelma), charged Vélez with ‘carnal access to an animal.’

Vélez did not accept the charges and remains in custody pending further investigation. Law 2627, which went into effect in August 2026, establishes prison sentences between 48 and 55 months for such offenses. Senator Esmeralda Hernández, a promoter of the legislation, stated that the prosecution is seeking the maximum sentence, describing such offenders as a danger to society.