Mexico City Seeks Harsher Penalties for Animal Abuse
Mexico City, February 12, 2026 – The Mexico City Congress is considering a groundbreaking legislative proposal to impose severe penalties, including up to 12 years in prison, for individuals found guilty of killing dogs or cats. The initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Jannete Guerrero Maya, also seeks to introduce substantial fines and toughen sanctions against sexual violence targeting sentient beings, with potential prison sentences of up to six years.
The proposed reforms to the capital’s Penal Code aim to strengthen existing animal protection laws, a move that comes weeks after the contentious eviction of 1,200 animals from the Franciscan Refuge. This incident sparked public outcry and brought the issue of animal welfare to the forefront of public discourse in Mexico City.
A Necessary Correction to Existing Laws
Deputy Guerrero Maya, a member of the Labor Party (PT), emphasized that the initiative is not an “exaggeration” but a “necessary correction” to current legislation. “With penalties as low as currently established, many serious crimes end in easy exits, agreements, or sanctions that do not reflect the seriousness of the harm,” she stated during a recent ordinary session.
Under the proposed reforms, those who kill dogs and cats in the capital could face fines reaching up to 281,000 pesos. The legislation also addresses other forms of animal abuse, stipulating two to six years in prison and fines of 70,000 to 117,000 pesos for general acts of mistreatment or cruelty. Furthermore, individuals who maintain or sponsor illegal animal sacrifice sites could face four to eight years in prison.
Recognizing Animals as Sentient Beings
Deputy Guerrero Maya highlighted Mexico City’s progress in recognizing animals as more than just property. “In Mexico City, we have taken important steps to recognize that animals are not things, they are not objects, they are not disposable, and they are not property. They are sentient beings; they feel pain, fear, suffering. And that recognition is already in our Constitution,” she affirmed. However, she stressed that recognition alone is insufficient without strong legal protection.
The legislator underscored the broader societal implications of animal cruelty, stating, “Cruelty is learned, normalized, and reproduced. Combating animal abuse is also preventing other forms of violence and building a more just and humane city.” This perspective connects animal welfare to the overall fabric of societal conduct and emphasizes the importance of empathy and respect for all living creatures.
Context: The Franciscan Refuge Controversy
The urgency of these legislative changes is underscored by recent events, particularly the forced removal of a large number of animals from the Franciscan Refuge. Carmela Rivero, director of the Antonio Haghenbeck y de Lama Foundation, accused the refuge of housing thousands of dogs in overcrowded conditions, many suffering from tumors and distemper. This incident has intensified public debate on animal welfare standards and the effectiveness of current protective measures.
The proposed legislation aims to address such gaps by providing a robust legal framework that ensures accountability and deters acts of cruelty. By increasing penalties and expanding the scope of what constitutes animal abuse, Mexico City seeks to set a precedent for animal rights within the region and beyond.
The initiative reflects a growing global awareness of animal sentience and the need for legal systems to evolve to protect vulnerable species. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it is expected to generate further discussion and support from animal rights advocates and concerned citizens alike.
The Mexico City Congress’s move to consider such stringent penalties marks a significant step towards creating a more compassionate and responsible society, where the welfare of animals is legally recognized and protected with the full force of the law.
Source: aristeguinoticias.com
