# Chilean Chamber of Deputies approves greyhound racing ban

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chilean-greyhound-racing-ban-debate
> Updated: 2026-08-18T00:00:59.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 4.

The Chilean legislative debate regarding greyhound racing has reached a significant milestone. Following public support from figures such as footballer Charles Aránguiz, who urged empathy ahead of scheduled votes, the Chamber of Deputies has officially approved a bill to prohibit and penalize dog racing nationwide.

The approved measure, which modifies the Law on Responsible Pet Ownership (Ley Cholito), passed with 80 votes in favor, 41 against, and 7 abstentions. Under this law, organizers and participants could face prison sentences and fines between 20 and 40 monthly tax units (UTM). Those promoting such events may face fines of 5 to 20 UTM and could be permanently barred from animal ownership.

During the session, lawmakers also considered a competing regulatory proposal that sought to permit the activity under strict veterinary and safety conditions. However, this regulatory project was rejected with 68 votes against and 50 in favor. 

The bill now returns to the Environment Commission for detailed review before it proceeds to the Senate. Animal rights organizations, including Galgo Libre, have maintained strong support for the ban, citing ongoing concerns regarding abuse, abandonment, and physical injury to the animals.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Chilean Chamber of Deputies approves ban on dog racing

Chile's Chamber of Deputies approved a bill to ban and penalize dog racing nationwide, rejecting a separate proposal to regulate the activity. The bill now moves to the Environment Commission.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chilean-congress-debates-prohibition-or-regulation-of-greyhound-racing

### 2026-08-15: Chilean Congress to resume debate on greyhound racing ban

Chile's Chamber of Deputies will resume debate on August 18 regarding a bill to ban greyhound racing nationwide, amid concerns over animal welfare and illegal gambling.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chilean-congress-to-resume-debate-on-greyhound-racing-ban

### 2026-08-11: Charles Aránguiz supports ban on greyhound racing in Chile

Chilean footballer Charles Aránguiz has endorsed a legislative push to ban greyhound racing, ahead of a decisive vote in the Chamber of Deputies on August 18.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/charles-arnguiz-supports-ban-on-greyhound-racing-in-chile

### 2026-08-02: Chile's Chamber of Deputies to vote on ban of greyhound racing

Chile's Chamber of Deputies will vote on a bill to ban greyhound racing, proposing prison terms and fines amid debate over animal welfare versus tradition.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chiles-chamber-of-deputies-to-vote-on-ban-of-greyhound-racing

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Cite as: Chilean Chamber of Deputies approves greyhound racing ban. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chilean-greyhound-racing-ban-debate