Diego Antonio Carrizo Sent to Trial for Killing Puma in Catamarca

Prosecutor Facundo Barros Jorrat concluded the preliminary investigation and requested that the case against Diego Antonio Carrizo be elevated to trial for animal cruelty. The charge stems from a video that went viral on social media showing Carrizo, four dogs and a rope attacking a protected puma in the Casa de Piedra area of Las Piedras Blancas, Ambato Department, Province of Catamarca, in February 2026.

The video prompted a complaint on 18 February by the Director of Resources, Forests, Soil and Diversity, leading to a formal investigation that gathered the audiovisual record, witness statements, forensic reports and administrative documents from the provincial Ministry of Water, Energy and Environment. Carrizo admitted killing the animal, claiming it threatened his production, but the prosecutor deemed the actions unnecessary violence that exceeded any legitimate defense. The case cites National Law 14.346 and Provincial Law 4.855, which protect animals from mistreatment. The proceedings also highlight broader concerns about insufficient preventive controls and state presence in Catamarca’s wildlife protection efforts.