Mexico City’s Pet Theft Crisis: A Deep Dive into Rising Investigations and Legal Frustrations
Mexico City, Mexico – The number of investigations into pet theft in Mexico City has dramatically increased by 108.5% in the past year, according to figures released by the capital’s Attorney General’s Office (FGJCDMX). Between January and July 2025, 59 investigations were recorded, a figure that more than doubled to 123 cases during the same period in 2026. This alarming rise does not even include data for May 2026, suggesting the true extent of the problem could be even greater.
This surge in formal complaints coincides with a growing concern surrounding dog walking services, which have become a focal point for pet owners’ anxieties. Numerous reports detail pets disappearing while under the care of contracted service providers.
The Case of Snopy: A Glimpse into the Problem
One such case involves María, who lost her four-year-old white and gray mixed-breed dog, Snopy, while he was with a pet walker in the Parque México area of the Cuauhtémoc borough. The walker claimed to have unleashed Snopy in the dog park and subsequently lost track of him. When María reported the incident to the capital’s Prosecutor’s Office, she was informed that the case could not initially be classified as theft due to the existence of a service contract. Instead, the investigation was channeled as a breach of trust. María’s suspicions intensified when the pet walker changed his phone number and ceased all communication.
A Double Ordeal: Lost Pets and Ignored Justice
The organization Pasos Perrunos has documented approximately 47 cases since 2018 involving missing or allegedly stolen dogs and cats, with direct accusations against pet walkers. Carlos Carrasco, a veterinary medicine intern and member of the organization, explained that victims consistently face obstacles in initiating investigations. Authorities often reclassify incidents as breaches of trust instead of theft, leading to numerous cases being shelved or closed due to a lack of progress.
Documentation is Key, But Often Lacking
Adding to these challenges is the difficulty owners face in proving legal ownership, especially common with adopted pets who lack purchase receipts or certificates. However, criminal lawyer Leonel Rodríguez emphasized that the absence of a formal document does not prevent reporting a crime. He advises victims to provide photographs, medical records, and testimonies from individuals who can confirm the animal was under their care.
Rodríguez stressed that it is the Public Ministry’s responsibility to investigate reported incidents and gather necessary evidence to determine what occurred and who may be responsible. He also noted that if an authority refuses to accept a complaint, the affected person can request written proof of this refusal to present to Internal Affairs. Furthermore, prosecutor’s offices offer a
