# Argentine legislative efforts to criminalize rural vandalism

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentine-legislative-efforts-to-criminalize-rural-vandalism
> Updated: 2026-10-06T20:45:00.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2.

In Argentina, the Chamber of Deputies has advanced a bill to incorporate the figure of ‘rural vandalism’ into the Penal Code. Proposed by legislator Martín Ardohain (PRO), the legislation seeks to amend the Penal Code to include specific sanctions for activities affecting the agricultural sector.

The proposal includes the creation of Article 150 bis, which would impose prison sentences of one month to one year for unauthorized entry into rural establishments. Additionally, the bill proposes penalties of two to eight years in prison plus fines—potentially reaching up to 12 times the value of the damage—for acts that directly impact production cycles, raw material stocks, or agricultural infrastructure, such as crops, livestock, and storage units like silobags.

Supporters, including the PRO, UCR, and La Libertad Avanza blocks, argue the measure is necessary to protect rural families and move away from an “urbanistic vision” of the Penal Code. The agricultural organization CARBAP has also expressed support, citing the need for greater security for production. 

However, the initiative faces opposition. Unión por la Patria and the Left Front (Frente de Izquierda) have presented minority reports, arguing the proposal may lead to a duplication of existing criminal figures or result in reduced penalties.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Argentina Chamber of Deputies advances rural vandalism bill

Argentina's Chamber of Deputies has approved a majority report for a bill to criminalize rural vandalism, proposing prison sentences for unauthorized entry and damage to agricultural production.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-chamber-of-deputies-advances-bill-to-criminalize-rural-vandalism

### 2026-09-22: Asociación Rural del Paraguay supports tougher cattle theft penalties

The Asociación Rural del Paraguay supports a bill to increase penalties for cattle theft, which could see prison sentences reach 15 years to protect small-scale livestock producers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/asociacin-rural-del-paraguay-supports-tougher-cattle-theft-penalties

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Cite as: Argentine legislative efforts to criminalize rural vandalism. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentine-legislative-efforts-to-criminalize-rural-vandalism