A video showing several dozen people breaking a piñata in the municipality of Calkiní, Campeche, has gone viral on social media. However, the images have sparked outrage. When the piñata breaks, small animals fall out. Not content with this, children and adults chase them, hitting them with sticks and stomping on them.
In the videos circulating at the time, a child can be seen breaking a clay piñata with a stick. Several iguanas fall out, and while the animals run terrified across the ground, children and adults stomp on the animals and hit them with sticks.
What did the authorities say about the animal piñatas in Campeche?
The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes against Animals, the Environment, and Ecosystems of Campeche reported that, in the municipality of Calkiní, as part of alleged traditions in the Kilakan neighborhood, small jars containing animals, such as iguanas, foxes, snakes, and others, were placed and beaten like piñatas.
“It is distressing to see how children are exposed to these acts of violence against animals.”
Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes against Animals, the Environment, and Ecosystems of Campeche
Therefore, in collaboration with the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), investigations were initiated against the organizers and the municipal authority that granted permits for this event. It was confirmed that “animal abuse is a crime, and no tradition justifies breaking the law.”
The agency reported that, in the incident “where live animals were hung and beaten like a piñata during an authorized event” in Calkiní, animal abuse is being investigated and added that this week “the initiation of disciplinary proceedings will be notified.”
Source: unotv
