Mistreating an animal can lead to prison and fines of up to 50 times the minimum wage

The Dominican society was outraged by the kicks that a citizen gave to a dog that belongs to him. The abuser did not know that his action was recorded and reached social networks from there to the Public Ministry.

Truffle the dog, the abused animal, is already in better hands. But its owner could face a maximum penalty of one year in prison.

The vast majority of Dominicans are unaware of Law 248-12 on Animal Protection and Responsible Ownership, No. 248-12. GO No. 10692 of August 15, 2012, approved during the presidency in the Senate of Reinaldo Pared Pérez and the administration in the Executive Power of Leonel Fernández, the reason is that there is very seldom a demonstration of its application.

The penalties for animal cruelty can carry a sentence of between six months to a year in prison and a fine of between 25 and 50 times the minimum wage, which means, with the state minimum wage, a fine of between 250,000 and 500,000 pesos.

The penalties for mistreatment are punishable by three to six months in prison and 10 to 20 minimum wages. For negligence, the penalties will be one to three months in prison and a fine of five to ten times the minimum wage.

Selling animals in public places or unauthorized places carries a fine of between three to six times the minimum wage and a prison sentence of one to three months.

These sanctions can be doubled if recidivism is established.

The Animal Protection Department of the Attorney General’s Office reported through its Instagram account that the citizen who was recorded kicking a dog would be brought to justice through its Instagram account.

The director of the department, Marilin Lois, identified Arturo Nanita as the owner of the animal and who abused her.

Lois pointed out that for attacking the animal Nanita, he can spend from six months to a year in prison.

According to Lois, the citizen told her that he felt sorry for having committed the abuse and that it was a difficult moment.

“What I understand is that this man must be subjected to psychological studies,” said Lois.

Truffle is a black French bulldog; the event occurred in Bella Vista.