It is strictly regulated.
Urban goat-keeping in Colombia requires compliance with municipal ordinances, sanitary codes, and environmental laws, with legality varying by city. Bogotá’s Decreto 555 de 2020 restricts livestock to designated zones, while Medellín’s Acuerdo 066 de 2021 permits goats only in rural corregimientos under veterinary oversight. National regulations, such as Decreto 1076 de 2015 (Environmental Code), mandate waste management plans to mitigate public health risks. Violations may trigger fines or confiscation under Ley 1801 de 2016 (Urban Coexistence Code). Recent 2026 amendments to Resolución 2463 de 2018 (Sanitary Standards) tighten biosecurity protocols for urban livestock.
Key Regulations for Keeping Goats in the City in Colombia
- Municipal Zoning Ordinances: Most cities prohibit goats in residential or commercial zones. Bogotá’s Decreto 555 de 2020 confines livestock to agricultural or industrial areas, while Cali’s Acuerdo 049 de 2022 requires permits for “non-traditional” urban livestock.
- Sanitary and Biosecurity Protocols: Resolución 2463 de 2018 (updated 2026) mandates veterinary certifications, vaccination records (e.g., brucellosis, foot-and-mouth disease), and waste disposal systems. Unregistered herds face immediate sanitary interventions by local health secretariats.
- Environmental Impact Assessments: Decreto 1076 de 2015 (Title 3, Chapter 2) requires environmental licenses for urban goat-keeping if herd size exceeds 5 animals or if grazing areas exceed 500 m². Noise and odor complaints may trigger municipal inspections under Ley 99 de 1993.