Two cases of cruelty against animals, which occurred in Santander and Antioquia, reached their judicial outcome after sentences issued by criminal offices in both regions.

The Attorney General’s Office managed to demonstrate the responsibility of two men who caused the death of an adult dog and a puppy, in separate events that occurred in 2021 and 2024.

The first case corresponds to Heradis Salas, sentenced to 20 months in prison for the crime of aggravated animal abuse. The investigation established that on July 9, 2021, on a public road in the La Victoria neighborhood, in Barrancabermeja (Santander), the dog named ‘Kiara’ was found inside a tank, with serious injuries and signs of sexual assault.

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The evidence collected by the Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Salas attacked the dog and caused severe trauma that led to its death.

Photos: Courtesy.

The second case involves David Pedraza, sentenced to 8 months in prison for animal abuse after the death of the puppy ‘Odín’, a barely two-month-old French bulldog.

On October 4, 2024, Pedraza asked a neighbor to allow him to take care of the dog and took him to a home in Itagüí (Antioquia). Hours later, he returned the animal in critical condition: dehydrated, with signs of physical aggression and in a dying state. Despite being immediately taken to a veterinarian, the puppy did not survive.

Photos: Courtesy.

Both judicial decisions reinforce the application of Law 1774 of 2016, which recognizes animals as sentient beings and establishes custodial sentences for those who unjustifiably cause them suffering or death.