Puerto RicoPS 010720th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)Senate

Para crear la "Ley de Remedios Civiles para la Protección de Animales", con el propósito de establecer un remedio civil como medida para combatir el maltrato, la crueldad, el abandono y el abuso animal en Puerto Rico; y para otros fines relacionados.

Sponsored By: Carmelo J. Ríos Santiago (PNP)

Signed by Governor

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Animal Care Access and Possible Reimbursement

Temporary custodians can get medically needed veterinary care for an animal without first obtaining a court order. Euthanasia requires the defendant’s written consent or a court order finding a terminal injury or illness. Courts must handle euthanasia requests promptly, and euthanasia must follow Puerto Rico’s Animal Welfare and Protection Act, Law No. 154-2008, as amended. A plaintiff who wins can receive court-awarded repayment for food, shelter, care, and medical expenses connected to the case’s protective relief. Repayment is not guaranteed, and the law sets no fixed amount.

Anyone Can Sue to Protect Animals

Anyone can bring a civil case in Puerto Rico over animal cruelty, abandonment, or abuse, even without being the animal’s guardian. The law took effect upon approval and adds to criminal remedies without replacing existing animal protections. It excludes properly managed food production and legitimate medical or research work approved under applicable agriculture and health standards. Acts protecting people, other animals, or public health are excluded when they avoid unjustified harm or suffering as much as possible. Activities otherwise protected by law are also excluded.

Courts Can Move Animals Into Safety

Courts can grant requested temporary custody based on a sworn complaint or affidavit clearly alleging cruelty, abandonment, or abuse. They can allow removal when the alleged harm is serious enough, and must notify Puerto Rico’s natural resources department and ranger corps about wildlife or specially protected animals. The order must set a hearing within 10 days to review continued protection; extensions require extraordinary circumstances found before the order expires. Courts can permanently transfer custody to another person or group when returning the animal poses a substantial risk of further mistreatment. The temporary custodian must return the animal if the court finds the defendant is entitled to custody.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Carmelo J. Ríos Santiago

    PNP • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jeison Rosa Ramos

    PNP • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 57 • No: 12

House vote • 5/7/2026

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 34 • No: 11

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 23 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Ley Núm. 115 — Firmada por la Gobernadora

    6/18/2026Senate
  2. Enviado a la Gobernadora

    6/10/2026House
  3. Firmado por el Presidente de la Cámara

    6/10/2026House
  4. Firmado por el Presidente del Senado

    6/5/2026Senate
  5. Se dispone que sea enrolado

    5/28/2026Senate
  6. Senado aprueba informe de Comisión de Conferencia

    5/28/2026Senate
  7. Cámara aprueba informe de Comisión de Conferencia

    5/28/2026House
  8. Entirillado Electrónico Informe de Conferencia

    5/26/2026House
  9. 1er Informe de Comité de Conferencia rendido

    5/26/2026House
  10. Se accede a Conferenciar

    5/18/2026House
  11. Se solicita Comité de Conferencia

    5/14/2026House
  12. Cuerpo de Origen no concurre con enmiendas

    5/14/2026Senate
  13. Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

    5/7/2026House
  14. Aprobado con enmiendas en sala

    5/7/2026House
  15. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    5/7/2026House
  16. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales de la Cámara

    5/7/2026House
  17. Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

    5/5/2026House
  18. Entirillado del Informe

    5/5/2026House
  19. 1er Informe Comisión rendido con enmiendas

    5/5/2026House
  20. Reunión Ejecutiva: Oficina de la Comisión

    5/4/2026House
  21. Referido a Comisión(es)

    4/10/2025House
  22. Aparece en Primera Lectura de la Cámara

    4/10/2025House
  23. Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    4/3/2025Senate
  24. Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

    4/3/2025Senate
  25. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    4/3/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Se dispone que sea enrolado

    5/28/2026

  • Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    4/3/2025

  • Radicado

    1/2/2025

  • Radicado (Senado mirror)

    1/2/2025

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation