Colombia proposes public veterinary hospital network

Representative Franyela Bermúdez Serna is promoting the ‘Ley Huellitas’ project in Colombia, which aims to establish a network of public veterinary hospitals. Co-presented with Senator María Irma Noreña, the initiative seeks to provide effective and equitable medical services for dogs and cats owned by vulnerable households.

With approximately 67% of Colombian homes living with at least one companion animal, the project targets families in Sisbén groups A and B who face economic barriers to veterinary care. The proposed network would provide, at a minimum, general preventive consultations, deworming, and sterilization. Depending on regional capacity, services could also include emergency care, diagnostics, treatment, telemedicine, and mobile units.