Various reforms and additions to the State Penal Code were approved to establish a new name for the first chapter to be called “Animal abuse and cruelty” and the penalties for those who commit these crimes were increased
With 29 votes in favor, the Plenary of the LXV local Legislature approved the reform to the Penal Code of Oaxaca, to establish severe penalties for those who commit the crimes of animal abuse and cruelty, proposed by the deputy Haydeé Reyes Soto.
During the extraordinary session, the legislator declared that “animal abuse is a red flag for society, since it not only reflects aggressive behavior towards a living being, but also affects violent behavior against people.”
She highlighted that, with the approval of the opinion issued by the Permanent Commission of Administration and Procurement of Justice, various reforms and additions to the Penal Code of the State were endorsed to establish a new name for the first chapter to be called “About animal abuse and cruelty” and the sanctions for those who commit these crimes were increased.
In addition, the definition of animal abuse was established, which in addition to death, injuries and sexual abuse, considers the abandonment of animals, depriving them of food, neglecting their health, tying them up outdoors, as a form of abuse.
The penalties for the crime of depriving an animal of its life were increased and aggravating factors were established when the crime is committed with violent means such as weapons, corrosive substances or explosives, as well as the apology of the crime.
Therefore, in article 419 of the Penal Code of Oaxaca it was established that a prison sentence of one to five years and a fine of 100 to 1,000 times the daily value of the Unit of Measurement and Update will be imposed on anyone who commits the crime of animal abuse.
In article 419 Ter it was determined that the sanctions provided for in article 419 will be increased by half of their minimum and maximum when injuries and/or marks for life are caused to an animal, without justified cause.
Or when the agony or pain of an animal is unnecessarily prolonged; also when acts of cruelty are committed against an animal; and if in addition to committing acts of mistreatment or cruelty against any animal, the person captures them in images, photographs or videotapes them to disseminate them by any means.
Meanwhile, in article 420 it was established that a prison sentence of three to eight years and a fine of 500 to 1,500 times the daily value of the current Unit of Measurement and Update will be imposed on anyone who wilfully deprives an animal of its life.
“With all this, it contributes to the protection and search for the well-being of animals, sentient beings that have no voice. I recognize the praiseworthy work of the defenders, independent rescuers as well as the associations that for years have worked to make this problem visible,” said deputy Haydeé Reyes Soto, of the Parliamentary Group of Morena.
Likewise, the LXV local Legislature approved the reform to article 97 of the Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection for the State of Oaxaca, presented by legislator Haydeé Reyes Soto.
With this, the objective is to promote the culture of dignified and respectful treatment towards animals through information dissemination campaigns regarding the importance of adoption, vaccination, deworming, as well as the environmental, social and public health consequences of abandoning companion animals.
Therefore, the law established that, “the State Government in coordination with the municipalities, within the scope of their respective powers, will guarantee the dignified and respectful treatment of animals in animal control centers, establishing the corresponding sanctions for anyone who mistreats them, as well as, to the extent possible, free sterilization.”
“Likewise, they will promote the establishment of public veterinary clinics in order to provide animals with preventive medical care and, in case of illness, provide prompt medical treatment endorsed by a veterinarian.”
Also, “they will establish the corresponding sanctions for those who carry out actions of clandestine breeding, commercialization or reproduction of animals,” states article 97 of the law.
Source: diarioveterinario
