Dominicans among 13 sentenced for international dog-fighting ring in Colombia

Colombia.- Thirteen people, including foreign nationals from the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Venezuela, were sentenced to two and a half years in prison for organizing and participating in an illegal international dog-fighting event held on a farm near Bogotá, Colombian authorities announced.

According to Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office, the defendants admitted responsibility for animal abuse offenses involving the killing of animals and causing serious injuries for economic gain. Investigators determined that the event took place on March 14 at a rural property in La Calera, where organizers had prepared a fighting ring and spectator area with food and drinks for attendees.

During a raid on the property, authorities discovered two dead dogs showing signs of severe violence and rescued 12 others. Six of the animals displayed physical and behavioral injuries consistent with prolonged abuse and repeated participation in dog fights. Prosecutors said nine foreign nationals, including Dominicans, financed the gathering and traveled to Colombia to take part in the event, while four Colombians, including the alleged organizer and a veterinarian, were also convicted.

Each defendant received a sentence of 31 months and 15 days in prison, a fine of nearly 50 million Colombian pesos (about US$14,500), and a ban on owning or caring for animals during the duration of the sentence. Dog fighting has been prohibited in Colombia since the enactment of the Ángel Law in 2025, which strengthened penalties for animal cruelty and abuse.