Recent judgments by both the Corte Constitucional and the Consejo de Estado have initiated the discussion about the status that the animals hold in the Colombian legal system. This document contains a brief overview of international environmental legal instruments, considering them the first step towards the protection of animals when regarded as an integral part of nature. In addition, it shows the transition that has had the Colombian law concerning the legal status of animals, which initially were conceived as mere objects and over the years has started to be conceived as living beings that deserve special attention. Finally it reviews the referred judgments to identify guidelines that those courts had given on animal protection as an essential basis for the recognition of certain features that make them subject to special protection by the State, and therefore, must be included in the legislation. Thereby, this work seeks to defend the idea that animal protection in our country can be really effective when the law no longer consider animals as objects and recognize them as living sentient beings, which will grant them special characteristics to ensure welfare and protection from abusive situations.