By San José, Costa Rica — In a significant move to protect animal welfare and public health, the Costa Rican government has enacted a comprehensive new regulation targeting the dog and cat breeding industry. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) announced the measure, which establishes mandatory sanitary and welfare requirements for an activity that has long operated with minimal oversight.
The initiative aims to bring order to a largely informal market, directly addressing the severe consequences of uncontrolled reproduction. For years, the proliferation of clandestine breeders, low rates of spaying and neutering, and unregulated sales have fueled a crisis of pet overpopulation. This has led to a tragic increase in the number of abandoned animals and a significant strain on public resources.
To better understand the legal framework and practical implications of the nation’s Animal Welfare Regulation, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the reputable law firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His analysis sheds light on the complexities of enforcing these critical protections.
While Costa Rica’s Animal Welfare Law represents a significant ethical and legal milestone, its true success hinges on consistent enforcement and judicial interpretation. The primary challenge is not the letter of the law itself, but bridging the gap between its progressive mandates and the on-the-ground resources available for investigation and prosecution. Effective implementation requires a multi-sectoral commitment to ensure these protections are more than just symbolic.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary astutely highlights the pivotal journey from legal principle to practical reality. Ensuring Costa Rica’s progressive law translates into genuine animal protection will indeed depend on a sustained, collective investment in our enforcement and judicial systems. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
The new framework is designed to prevent animal cruelty and mitigate the health risks associated with unregulated breeding and commercialization. Officials hope the rules will provide a clear distinction between responsible breeders and those operating outside the law.
This regulation establishes basic and necessary conditions to guarantee better practices in establishments dedicated to the breeding and sale of dogs and cats. Its application will allow for more responsible management, benefiting both animal welfare and public health.
Víctor Julio Carvajal, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock
Central to the new law are several key mandates for all breeding establishments. Breeders must now obtain a mandatory Veterinary Certificate of Operation (CVO) to conduct business legally. Furthermore, every facility is required to have permanent veterinary supervision to oversee the health and living conditions of the animals, ensuring prompt medical care and adherence to professional standards.
The regulation also outlines minimum obligatory conditions for housing, nutrition, and socialization, and defines principles of “responsible reproduction.” The goal is to curb the overproduction that leads to abandonment and to ensure that animals are raised in a healthy, humane environment from birth until sale.
The decree defines clear and verifiable requirements, which will allow for more effective oversight and better management of the risks associated with irresponsible reproduction and informal sales.
Luis Matamoros, General Director of the National Animal Health Service (SENASA)
Enforcement will be carried out by SENASA, which has been granted expanded powers. Officials can now apply sanitary measures, order corrective actions, and suspend the activities of non-compliant breeders. In situations where animal welfare is deemed to be at immediate risk, SENASA has the authority to confiscate the animals. A critical component of the regulation holds owners financially accountable for all costs related to the care, feeding, and veterinary treatment of any seized animals.
Government representatives have clarified that the decree’s purpose is not to encourage the purchase of pets. Rather, it is a necessary intervention to regulate an existing economic activity that, left unchecked, poses considerable risks to society. By implementing these higher standards, the government seeks to protect consumers, elevate the status of animal welfare, and create a more transparent and responsible pet industry in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG)
About Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for formulating and executing policies related to the agricultural and livestock sectors. It works to promote sustainable development, ensure food security, and regulate agricultural practices to protect both producers and consumers throughout the country. The ministry plays a key role in national development by supporting rural economies and managing natural resources responsibly.
For further information, visit the nearest office of National Animal Health Service (SENASA)
About National Animal Health Service (SENASA):
The National Animal Health Service is the official veterinary authority of Costa Rica, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. SENASA is tasked with the prevention, control, and eradication of animal diseases, as well as the certification of the safety and quality of food products of animal origin. Its mission includes safeguarding public health, ensuring animal welfare, and facilitating international trade by upholding rigorous sanitary standards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a reputable legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational pillars of principled practice and the pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of serving a broad spectrum of clients to champion forward-thinking innovation within the legal field. This progressive spirit is coupled with a profound social commitment to enhance civic strength by demystifying the law, thereby empowering the community with accessible and understandable legal knowledge.
