In recent years, Paraguay has made significant progress in the protection of animals, introducing harsher criminal penalties and strengthening reporting and oversight mechanisms.
This legal progress has been accompanied by the sustained work of civil society organisations and volunteer networks which, in the absence of sufficient public resources, operate shelters, carry out rescues and lead awareness programmes across the country.
Animal protection is no longer solely an ethical concern. It is now a legal obligation, supported by current legislation and enforced by public institutions responsible for its implementation.
The legal framework: Paraguayan Law
The main legislation governing animal protection in Paraguay is Law No. 4840/2013 on Animal Protection and Welfare, which was amended and reinforced by Law No. 7513/2025. This reform increased penalties and expanded monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
Key penalties include:
- Intentional abuse: up to two years of imprisonment or a fine.
- Cruelty (serious injury, mutilation or abandonment): up to four years of imprisonment.
- Death of the animal as a result of cruelty: up to six years of imprisonment.
- NRAA: creation of the National Register of Animal Abusers (RAGAN in Spanish), enabling authorities to identify and monitor convicted offenders.
In cases involving wildlife, Law No. 96/1992 also applies, under the authority of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development (MADES).
How to report abuse, abandonment or cruelty
Reporting is a crucial step in activating legal protection. Any citizen may file a report, including anonymously, through the following institutions:
- National Directorate for Animal Defence, Health and Welfare
The national governing body responsible for coordinating rescues, inspections and sanctions.
Telephone: (021) 232 397
Email: bienestaranimalsg@gmail.com
- Municipality of Asunción – Zoonosis Unit
Handles reports within the capital, including abandoned animals and urban fauna.
Telephone: 663 368 / 663 366 (extension 3387)
Other authorised channels include the National Police stations or emergency number 911, in cases of flagrant cruelty and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, to initiate criminal proceedings.
Civil society organisations: Where to donate, adopt and help
In Paraguay, most shelters operate through self-management and private donations, without permanent state funding. Below are some of the most active organisations, grouped by region and type of work.
- Organisations based in Central Department and Asunción
- Dr. Dog (Limpio): Shelter with its own veterinary clinic and a no-kill policy.
- Patitas Felices Paraguay: Animal rights advocacy and rescue with foster homes.
- Adoptame Paraguay: Rescue, neutering and responsible adoption.
- Dame Una Pata Paraguay: Supports animals in street situations through rescue and responsible adoption.
- Narices Frías: Specialised in rescuing pregnant dogs and mothers with puppies.
- Olfateando Huellas: Association dedicated to rescuing animals, finding them homes, and promoting spaying, neutering, and adoption.
- Pako Rescate Paraguay: Dissemination of critical cases and urgent rescues.
- Polki Squad: Youth group promoting adoption and opposing the commercial trade of animals.
- Rescue groups in other regions of the country
- Rescate CDE (Ciudad del Este): Network of volunteers and sponsors.
- Refugio San Francisco (Coronel Oviedo): Rehabilitation centre in Caaguazú.
- Ayudando Callejeritos (Caaguazú): Feeding and care for street dogs.
- Operación Rescate Carapeguá: Rehabilitation of abused animals.
- Operación Rescate Quiindy: Defence and rescue work in Paraguarí.
- Mi Pequeño Hogar (Paraguarí): Rescue of cats and dogs, offering them for adoption and sterilisation.
- Support networks and digital volunteering
- Ayudando Py: Connects shelters with adopters.
- Ayudando Peludos: Rescue and rehabilitation of extreme cases.
All of these organisations operate on social media under their registered names, where further information, contact details and current campaigns can be found.
How to get involved: Practical ways to help
Making a difference does not require large financial resources. Organisations welcome support in various forms:
- Financial donations: to cover surgeries, veterinary treatments and daily maintenance.
- Sponsorship: monthly contributions for a specific animal.
- Fundraising: Organisations raise money through raffles, lotteries, pizza sales, and other activities to cover the costs of rescuing and caring for animals.
- Foster care: temporary homes for animals in recovery.
- Volunteering: shelter cleaning, walking dogs, transport assistance or social media outreach.
- Adoption: providing the animal with a loving family and decent life.
Material donations include:
- Dry food for puppies and adult animals.
- Medical supplies and medicines.
- Cleaning products, such as bleach and disinfectants.
- Construction materials for kennels.
Some shelters have agreements with food suppliers and veterinary pharmacies, which helps streamline donations.
A collective cause
Effective enforcement of the law and active citizen participation are essential to eradicating animal abuse in Paraguay. Reporting, adopting and contributing not only save lives, but also help build a more just and compassionate society.
The more hands involved, the fewer paws left on the streets.
