Ciudad Juárez, March 12, 2026 – Animal cruelty in Ciudad Juárez can lead to substantial fines and even prison sentences, according to current regulations designed to protect companion animals and promote responsible pet ownership among the populace.
New Regulations and Penalties for Animal Cruelty
Alma Edith Arredondo Salinas, head of the Directorate of Animal Care and Welfare (DABA), stated that sanctions can reach up to 250 Units of Measurement and Actualization (UMA) when a person intentionally causes injuries to an animal that endanger its life. In such severe cases, the legislation also includes prison sentences ranging from six months to one year, which can be increased if the animal dies as a result of the abuse.
Beyond severe cases, keeping a pet in inadequate conditions, abandoning it, or allowing it to roam freely in public can also incur administrative sanctions. These fines range from 30 to 200 UMAs, which can exceed 22,000 pesos, depending on the severity of the situation identified by authorities.
The Unit of Measurement and Actualization (UMA) is an economic value used in Mexico as a reference for calculating fines, contributions, and other legal obligations. For 2026, each UMA is valued at 117.31 pesos, meaning sanctions can significantly impact those who fail to comply with animal welfare legislation.
Varying Sanctions Based on Conditions
Arredondo Salinas explained that sanctions vary based on the animal’s condition. “If the animal is found on the street, there may be a fine of 30 to 50 UMAs, but if it is without medical attention, food, or in poor condition, the sanction increases. Everything depends on the animal’s environment,” she detailed.
DABA collaborates with the Prosecutor’s Office for the most serious cases, particularly when it is necessary to enter homes or properties to rescue animals in abusive situations. In these instances, the Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for leading searches with a judicial order, while municipal personnel are tasked with safeguarding and providing medical attention to the seized animals.
The agency also addresses two main types of citizen complaints: those related to animal aggression towards people or other animals, and those concerning owner negligence. Animals that do not pose a danger are evaluated by specialists, and if they meet health and behavior criteria, they can be integrated into adoption programs.
28 Reasons for Sanctions
The infraction ticket outlines 28 different reasons why a person can be sanctioned for not keeping their animals in dignified conditions. These include keeping dogs in excessively small spaces, leaving them permanently on the street, failing to provide sufficient food, or allowing them to remain exposed to the elements without protection.
Authorities urged citizens to keep their pets indoors, provide them with food, veterinary care, and an appropriate environment for their development. “There is no excuse for not keeping animals in good condition,” emphasized the head of DABA.
The official stressed that the department’s primary goal is not solely to sanction, but also to raise public awareness about the importance of providing adequate care for animals and ensuring their well-being. In cases where an animal exhibits aggressive behavior that poses a risk to the community, authorities may determine its sacrifice to prevent harm.
Contact for Reporting Abuse
Individuals wishing to receive information about DABA services or report cases of animal cruelty can contact 656 554-3391 and 656 173-4100, where assistance is provided for channeling complaints and guiding the public on animal protection.
Source: https://oem.com.mx/elheraldodejuarez/tendencias/multa-por-maltrato-animal-en-ciudad-juarez-28907504
