Can Your Pet Be Seized in Colombia? Here’s What the Constitutional Court Says
In the context of debt collection proceedings, one of the most common concerns is what assets can be legally seized. In recent years, a particularly sensitive issue has been the status of pets.
Can pets be seized as assets? Thanks to a recent ruling by Colombia’s Constitutional Court, the answer is no.
What did the Constitutional Court decide?
The Court ruled that companion animals cannot be seized in judicial proceedings. Unlike other property, they are considered sentient beings—not mere material goods. This decision was made in response to a legal challenge that sought to explicitly include pets in the list of non-seizable assets under Article 594 of Colombia’s General Code of Procedure.
According to the Court, allowing pets to be seized would violate key fundamental rights:
- Free development of personality
- Personal and family privacy
- Human dignity
The Court also acknowledged the emotional bonds people form with animals, referring to the idea of a “multi-species family.”
Why is this ruling important?
Previously, some judges had ordered the seizure of pets in divorce or debt collection cases, based on civil laws that treated animals as “movable property.” This ruling changes that by recognizing pets’ special legal and emotional status.
Does this apply to all animals?
No. The ruling specifically applies to companion animals—those living within families, like dogs, cats, and other domesticated pets. It does not apply to animals used for commercial, agricultural, or sporting purposes.
What can still be seized in Colombia?
Debt collection laws in Colombia allow the seizure of:
- Bank accounts
- Vehicles
- Real estate
- Economic rights in corporations
However, some assets remain protected, including:
- Pets
- Honorary decorations or titles
- Official uniforms
- A portion of subsistence income (e.g., minimum wages)
What is Trébol Jurídico’s role?
At Trébol Jurídico, we specialize in the pre-legal and legal management of debt collection. While we do not offer legal advice on topics like pet ownership or family law, we provide updated and reliable information to help readers understand what can and cannot be seized in the context of debt recovery.
We are committed to informing you clearly and responsibly about seizure limits, applicable procedures, and legal rulings that may impact collection cases.
Conclusion
Thanks to the Constitutional Court’s decision, pets are officially non-seizable assets in Colombia. This ruling recognizes their emotional value, their sentient nature, and the importance of preserving human dignity in judicial proceedings.
At Trébol Jurídico, we’ll continue to report on legal developments that shape the debt collection landscape, always with respect for current laws and fundamental rights.
