Latin America reports spate of sexual abuse, homicides and animal cruelty cases

Authorities in Venezuela detained a 43‑year‑old man in San José de Guanipa on accusations of repeatedly abusing his 12‑year‑old step‑daughter, a case that began while the family lived in Colombia and continued after returning to Venezuela.

In Mexico, a homeless man was found dead in a train‑track area of Tehuacán, with no visible signs of violence; the cause of death will be determined by autopsy. Separate investigations in the state of Yucatán continue after a suspected mass poisoning of dogs in the Felipe Carrillo Puerto colonia of Mérida, which killed four dogs and left two survivors.

In Veracruz’s Nogales, mayor Libni Zuriel de la Cruz has not fulfilled his campaign promise to halve his own salary and that of municipal councilors, despite earlier statements of austerity.

Los Mochis officials are probing the death of 41‑year‑old intern Efraín “Z” inside a rehabilitation centre, promising a swift resolution.

Paraguay’s Caaguazú department saw the arrest of a man suspected of zoophilia after two malnourished dogs were rescued, with the suspect facing up to six years in prison.

In Chile, police and municipal authorities inspected a Nonguén residence after neighbours reported 10‑20 dogs; the investigation ruled out animal cruelty but identified irresponsible pet ownership and ordered sterilisation of all animals.

The Dominican Republic’s animal‑rights federation Fedda demanded a full criminal investigation into a mass poisoning of dogs, cats and chickens in San Francisco de Macorís, citing violations of animal‑protection law and public‑health risks.