Deán Funes former mayor sentenced to prison for mass dog poisoning

The Superior Court of Justice of Córdoba has upheld a four-year prison sentence for Germán Darío Facchín, the former mayor of Deán Funes, for his role in the mass poisoning of 211 dogs in April 2013.

Investigations revealed that during the early hours of April 28, 2013, poisoned baits made of meat and the highly toxic chemical methomyl were distributed throughout various neighborhoods using official municipal vehicles. The operation resulted in the deaths of at least 211 dogs, as well as cats, birds, and chickens. Five municipal employees also received suspended three-year sentences for their roles as co-authors of the operation.

The ruling reinforces a legal precedent that recognizes animals as “sentient beings” capable of experiencing pain and pleasure, rather than mere property. The court confirmed Facchín's responsibility as the instigator of the crimes, which included qualified damage and violations of animal cruelty laws.