A video circulating on social media has sparked outrage in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. The footage shows a driver brutally dragging a pet behind his truck, in what could constitute an act of intentional cruelty or gross negligence. The community demands immediate justice and reminds everyone that animal abuse is not only socially condemnable but also punishable by law.
The video shows the animal being dragged by the moving vehicle, without the driver stopping. The scene has sparked widespread outrage and calls for swift action by the authorities.
The Oaxaca Prosecutor’s Office and municipal authorities are already searching for the person responsible to clarify the events and determine whether it was deliberate or negligent.
What does the law say about animal abuse?
In Mexico, animal abuse is classified as a crime in the Federal Penal Code and various state laws. Penalties vary depending on the state and the severity of the act.
At the federal level:
Article 419 Bis of the Federal Penal Code establishes that:
Anyone who causes intentional injuries to a vertebrate animal may receive 3 months to 2 years in prison and a fine of 100 to 150 days.
If the injuries cause the death of the animal, the penalty may increase to 6 months to 4 years in prison and a fine of 200 to 300 days.
Penalties are increased if there is cruelty, torture, or if the act is publicly disseminated.
In Oaxaca:
The Animal Protection Law for the State of Oaxaca and the local Penal Code establish that:
Abuse that causes unnecessary suffering, injury, or death to an animal may be punished with up to 4 years in prison.
Financial fines and community service are also contemplated.
In serious cases, the perpetrator may be disqualified from owning animals in the future.
In addition, Article 413 of the Oaxaca Penal Code considers aggravating circumstances if the act is committed with extreme cruelty or in a Presence of minors.
What can the public do?
Animal rights organizations recommend:
Report the case to the authorities.
Document and share evidence with legally constituted associations.
Promote formal complaints, avoiding the dissemination of images that re-victimize the animal.
Source: excelsior
