Tampico municipal employee accused of extorting dog owner over pet return

Dog owner Enrique (also reported as Ernesto) Mar Rivera says a worker from the Dirección de Ecología's Protección Animal unit in Tampico seized his nine‑month‑old dog, "Pirata," from the pedestrian street Salvador Díaz Mirón. The employee allegedly demanded a 2,500‑peso fine to release the animal, though the department later claimed no payment was required and returned the dog.

Rivera plans to file a complaint with the Fiscalía General de Justicia of Tamaulipas, request a review of the department’s security footage, and seek clarification on whether the employee acted alone or under a protocol. He also expressed concern about the dog’s stay at a local veterinary hospital and asked for an investigation of the employee, identified as Yahaira Sarahí Cruz Aguilar.