Animals gaining political clout in Bolivia

May 14, 5:31 PMAnimal Welfare ExaminerShalin Gala

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Watershed moments in a nation’s history are rare, but when they happen the world takes note. This is such a moment for Bolivia—specifically, for the nation’s animal inhabitants.

In an unprecedented move this March, the Bolivian minister of defense Walker San Miguel went on national television to announce a resolution banning the military from stabbing conscious dogs in training exercises, which was exposed in video footage distributed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Yesterday, in response to a campaign by Animal Defenders International, the Bolivian Senate passed a bill that bans the use of animals in circuses “because it is considered a cruel and unneccessary act against animals.”

And, next week legislators will finalize the country’s first comprehensive animal protection law.

Historically marginalized people have typically fought for many decades to achieve basic legal rights. And now, within a span of approximately 2 months, Bolivia’s animals will no longer be cut apart in military training exercises or beaten into submission with bullhooks to perform for people’s amusement—a far cry from what happens at the Department of Defense and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus in the United States. 

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