A major legislative initiative to combat animal cruelty is gaining momentum in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Federation for Animal Rights (FEDDA), in collaboration with Senator Omar Fernández and the newspaper Listín Diario, has officially launched the “Crusade for Animals” campaign. This national advocacy day, to be held at the National Congress, marks a concerted effort to reform and fortify Law 248-12 on Animal Protection and Responsible Ownership.
The announcement was made during FEDDA’s third-anniversary event, which also saw the debut of a complementary national campaign, “Report Animal Abuse,” designed to encourage citizens to responsibly report cases of neglect and violence against animals. The event was spearheaded by FEDDA President Lorenny Solano, Senator Fernández, and Listín Diario Director Miguel Franjul.
Senator Fernández provided critical context, revealing that the legislative reform process began in 2021. While there is broad consensus on its necessity, he cited bureaucratic delays as the primary reason for the prolonged timeline. He expressed optimism for approval in the current legislative session, emphasizing the public’s growing awareness and the urgent need for clear institutional mechanisms to address abuse cases. “I will be the happiest person the day that… we know exactly which authority should act,” Fernández stated.
Miguel Franjul of Listín Diario underscored the media’s role in holding Congress accountable, asserting that societal demand for the law has reached a critical mass. “The time has come for Congress to listen to these demands and make them a reality,” he addressed the audience.
FEDDA President Lorenny Solano clarified the organization’s strategic focus on driving structural change rather than direct rescue operations. Their mission is to influence public policy, secure state funding for animal protection, and build a more empathetic society. Solano highlighted that animal welfare has historically been a low priority for the state and pointed to specific initiatives, such as efforts to remove horse-drawn carriages from tourist areas like the Santiago Monument.
The event also featured a virtual lecture from economist Juan Ariel Jiménez at Harvard University on building sustainable models to support rescuers. Furthermore, FEDDA unveiled its “Vision 2026–2030,” a comprehensive set of policy proposals, and announced a push for formal recognition of service animals for people with disabilities. The campaign enjoys broad institutional support from the Public Prosecutor’s Office and various civil society organizations.