The aim is to organize volunteering that allows us to respond to Law No. 21.020 on responsible pet ownership.

With the aim of addressing the situation of community dogs present in the different university facilities located in La Serena, Coquimbo and Ovalle, authorities and students met to coordinate the formation of a volunteer group, which will allow them to comply with the new Law N°21.020 on responsible pet ownership.

Present at the activity were the Rector of the University of La Serena, Dr. Nibaldo Avilés, the Vice Rector of Economic and Administrative Affairs, Eng. Waldo Valencia, the Director of Services, Mg. Marcos Sepúlveda, in addition to students organized in 'PERRULS', a group dependent on the Federation of Students (FEULS), which works for the care of animals.

Within the results of the meeting, after a detailed brainstorming, the first step was to coordinate the creation of a registry that would identify the number and condition of the dogs that currently reside in the university facilities, and that, due to the new Law, , in the opinion of those attending, should be considered community pets. This castro will allow determining the number of pets to which the identification chip must be incorporated, in addition to the support so that they can receive veterinary treatments and the respective food.

“It is a great responsibility, not unrelated to complications due to the nature of our institution as a state university, to be able to be in charge of pets according to the new law; However, there is enthusiasm and commitment on the part of the students organized in PERRULS, as well as some members of the university community, among whom I include myself. We hope to find the best way to address this issue,” emphasized the Rector of the University of La Serena, Dr. Nibaldo Avilés.

It should be noted that the purpose of Law No. 21.020 is to establish standards to determine the obligations and rights of those responsible for pets, protect animal health and well-being through responsible ownership, protect public health, and the safety of people. , the environment and protected natural areas, applying measures to control the population of pets or companion animals and regulating liability for damage to people and property that is a consequence of the actions of pets or companion animals.