A historic milestone has been reached in Mexico’s journey towards animal welfare as the state of Chiapas has become the latest to criminalize animal cruelty. The new legislation, which was approved by the State Congress, marks a significant victory for civil society organizations, activists, and lawmakers who have long advocated for stronger protection laws.
With this reform, Chiapas joins the ranks of the 31 other states in Mexico that already penalize animal abuse, effectively closing the gap left by the state. The new law defines and punishes various forms of cruelty, including intentional killing, extreme cruelty, abandonment, and the organization of dogfights.
For the first time in its penal legislation, Chiapas recognizes dogs and cats as living beings requiring comprehensive protection, assigning a legal responsibility to their guardians for ensuring their well-being. This move aligns with Mexico’s federal Penal Code and sends a powerful message about how humans should relate to animals.
The reform is seen as a direct result of the 2019 constitutional amendment that prohibits animal cruelty nationwide. Claudia Edwards, program director at Humane World for Animals, hailed the new law as a significant achievement that fills a long-standing gap in Chiapas’ penal legislation. “This sends an important ethical and legal message about how we should treat animals,” she said.
Humane World for Animals celebrates the reform as a testament to Mexico’s growing commitment to animal protection. The organization praises the collective efforts of lawmakers, such as Congresswoman Marcela Castillo, and other organizations like Igualdad Animal and local activists who have championed this cause over the years.
The group hopes that this advancement will inspire continued efforts to protect all animals – including wildlife and farmed animals – from cruelty and abuse in the future.
Source: Human World
