The Punta Tombo Nature Reserve, in the Chubut province, Argentina, is home to one of the largest colonies of Magellanic penguins in the world. This internationally recognized natural sanctuary was the scene, in 2021, of an unprecedented act of cruelty: Ricardo La Regina, a local producer in the area, was guilty of the death of hundreds of Magellanic penguins and 175 nests destroyed, using heavy machinery and installing an electrified wire, preventing the free circulation of the species.

His actions not only caused the death of numerous birds, but also the clearing of the native flora of the place.

The trial for this environmental crime began in October 2024, becoming a milestone for Argentine justice. Together with the organizations Greenpeace Argentina and Asociación Argentina de Abogados/as Ambientalistas (Argentine Association of Environmental Lawyers), we have constituted ourselves as plaintiffs to demand justice for the penguins and their habitat.

On November 7, the court found Ricardo La Regina guilty of aggravated environmental damage and animal cruelty. This case demonstrates the urgent need to strengthen environmental protection laws and impose consequences on those who attack nature.