Animal Abuse: The Most Reported Environmental Crime in Mexico City
Mexico City, June 28 – Animal abuse has emerged as the most frequently reported environmental crime in Mexico City over the last 10 years. In 2025 alone, 35 criminal investigations were launched by the Attorney General’s Office and the Mexico City Attorney General’s Office, as revealed by figures from the Environmental and Territorial Planning Attorney’s Office (PAOT).
The PAOT’s complaints range from cases of dogs left on rooftops or balconies to more severe incidents that have reached judicial authorities. One notable case involved an individual held responsible for the death of a dog in the Doctores neighborhood, who, in addition to paying for damages, was required to undergo psychiatric treatment.
Another significant case highlighted by the PAOT involved two individuals in the Álvaro Obregón borough who were seen dragging two dogs with a motorcycle. Both were linked to the legal process, compelled to compensate for the harm caused, and are currently under periodic surveillance.
PAOT’s Actions Against Environmental Crimes
Over the past year, the PAOT has filed 68 criminal complaints with federal and local prosecutors for various environmental offenses. Of these, 35 were specifically related to animal abuse. Other environmental crimes, with fewer than nine criminal complaints each, include damage to listed properties, offenses committed by responsible construction directors, breaking of seals, changes in land use, and the falsification and use of false documents.
In terms of inter-institutional collaboration, the PAOT undertook 10 actions with the Environmental and Urban Protection Investigation Prosecutor’s Office to execute search warrants in several properties where animal abuse complaints had been filed.
Furthermore, the PAOT conducted 47 fact-finding visits with the General Directorate of the Animal Surveillance Brigade of the Citizen Security Secretariat to address reported cases. Additionally, two inspections were carried out at commercial establishments.
Increasing Awareness and Enforcement
The consistent rise in reported animal abuse cases underscores the growing awareness of this issue within Mexico City and the increasing efforts by authorities to address it. The data indicates a clear trend where animal cruelty is not only being recognized but also actively pursued through legal channels, reflecting a societal shift towards greater protection for animals.
The PAOT’s proactive stance, through both direct investigations and collaborative efforts with other government agencies, plays a crucial role in bringing perpetrators to justice and deterring future acts of cruelty. The legal consequences, such as financial reparations and mandatory psychological treatment, serve as precedents for future cases, emphasizing the gravity with which these crimes are now being treated.
The emphasis on prosecuting individuals who harm animals sends a strong message to the public that such actions will not be tolerated. This robust enforcement is essential for fostering a more humane environment for animals in the bustling metropolis of Mexico City.
The ongoing efforts by the PAOT and other organizations are critical in ensuring that animal welfare remains a priority and that those who inflict harm are held accountable for their actions.
Source: https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2026/06/28/capital/el-maltrato-animal-es-el-delito-que-tiene-mayor-numero-de-denuncias-penales
