The new law introduces prison sentences ranging from three months to one year for those found guilty of killing a domestic or a domesticated animal, and a series of monetary fines for animal cruelty.
A new Discovery Networks documentary tells the story of the Costa Rican toucan whose savagely mutilated beak was replaced with a prosthetic one, and how it inspired a nation to push for better treatment of animals.
Several recent cases of dog abuse, including that of Duke, who suffered major damage to his muzzle in an apparent machete attack, have renewed calls for harsher punishment for those who maim or kill animals.
Animal rights groups in July will begin collecting signatures across the country to approve a referendum in which citizens would vote on an animal welfare bill imposing stricter sanctions for animal cruelty.
A bill that seeks to establish prison time for animal abuse faces an uncertain future after several lawmakers filibustered voting on the law last week by filing over 70 motions against it.
As Costa Rica's legislature ends its second year in office, most party leaders agree that little progress was made during the recently-ended legislative session.
