Legal Recognition of Sentient Quality to Companion Animals to Prevent Animal Abuse in Ecuador

Abstract

Companion animals are those that faithfully guard the life of the human being as part of the family, even considering them man’s best friend. Animal abuse is a detestable
representation of the violence that occurs against vulnerable beings that until recently in Ecuador were considered elementary things. Despite this, great advances have been made in terms of internal regulations that allow greater protection for animals that have gone from being considered objects to sentient beings. This situation has generated protection and support against torture, pain and suffering that may be caused by human beings. A more precise and severe collection of sanctions has been created compared to those that were previously implemented within the internal legal system. All this is planned to be achieved based on principles such as solidarity, care, respect, compassion and mainly care for the welfare of the animal.