Animal welfare and pet ownership regulation updates

Municipalities in Ecuador and Chile are implementing new regulations to enhance animal welfare and pet ownership responsibilities.

In Guayaquil, Ecuador, local ordinances have established legal mechanisms to address negligence in veterinary grooming and aesthetic centers. These regulations mandate that establishments maintain identification records, provide professional veterinary assistance when necessary, and obtain express owner consent before using sedatives. Businesses are also required to notify owners immediately if an animal becomes ill while in their care.

In Cuenca, Ecuador, proposed reforms to urban fauna management include higher fines for animal cruelty—potentially reaching 2,410 dollars—mandatory sterilization to manage overpopulation, a ban on the digital sale of cats and dogs, and improved identification via microchips and collars.

In Antofagasta, Chile, a new municipal ordinance has replaced a 15-year-old regulation. The updated framework shifts the focus from canine control and capture toward animal well-being, abandonment prevention, and shared responsibility between residents and the municipality. The law aims to define the rights and duties of pet owners while strengthening protections against abuse.