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Animal welfare legal reforms and activist threats in Mexico

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2026-09-05 03:56 UTC → 2026-09-08 16:17 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Animal welfare legal reforms and activist threats in Mexico ~~and Venezuela~~

Efforts to strengthen animal protection through legal reform and judicial action are progressing in Mexico and Venezuela. In Mexico, constitutional prohibitions against animal cruelty have been in place since late 2024, with specific states like Hidalgo utilizing penal codes to sanction abandonment or injury. In Yucatán, animal rights organizations Animal Héroes and PETA Latino have expanded their legal successes to seven municipalities. Following recent judicial rulings, provisional suspensions have been obtained regarding bullfighting in Sotuta, Ucú, and Cansahcab. While these traditional events may continue, the court has imposed strict conditions to prevent physical suffering or mistreatment. Specifically, the use of swords, rapiers, banderillas, lances, or any equivalent instruments that cause bleeding, pain, or undue stress is prohibited. These organizations argued that such tools violate Article 4 of the Mexican Constitution and NOM-033 standards. Additionally, injunctions have been secured against bullfighting in Tixkokob, Temozón, Muna, and Seyé, as activists continue legal actions to prevent the use of any instruments that cause injury to animals. Following these legal victories, Animal Héroes and PETA Latino reported receiving threats, intimidation, and harassment, including social media attacks and the leaking of personal information. These incidents intensified after a federal judge issued rulings related to a bullfight in Querétaro. In response, Animal Héroes filed a formal complaint with the Querétaro State Attorney General's Office for threats and stalking, requesting protection for its members. The group noted they have secured twelve favorable judicial resolutions prohibiting the use of torture instruments in bullfights across various states. Furthering these restrictions, the Tijuana City Council unanimously voted on August 27, 2026, to repeal the Bullfighting Spectacles Regulation, effectively banning the practice in the city. This decision, supported by Mayor Abdiel Gutiérrez and Councilwoman Magaly Ronquillo Palacios, follows years of declining activity and sustained pressure from groups including Abogados Animalistas de Tijuana. Additionally, Ciudad Juárez has approved new Animal Protection and Welfare Regulations, though activists are calling for better resources to ensure enforcement. In Mérida, authorities continue to manage cases involving animal attacks, such as a recent pitbull incident in the Bojórquez neighborhood where the dogs were surrendered to the Municipal Animal Care Center (CEMAA) pending judicial resolution.

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