Animal Rights March to Combat Animal Abuse in Yucatán

The National March for Animal Rights is set to take place on February 2nd, spanning across Mexico City and several other states. The gathering in Mérida is due to be held at the Monumento a la Patria.

The march aims to combat animal abuse and advocate for the rights of animals through four key demands. The event is not limited to Mexico City, but will also be held in various states such as Aguascalientes, Puerto Vallarta, Baja California, Guerrero, Sonora, and Chihuahua, among others. There is also an expectation of increased participation from other Latin American regions.

In Mérida, the National Alliance 'Un Millón de Esperanzas' will be represented by at least five groups. The march is set to commence at the Monumento a la Patria at 11:30. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange, the official color symbolizing opposition to animal cruelty. Yucatán's representative at the Mexico City march will be Raúl Argáez.

The march aims to address four urgent issues:

1. Recognition of animals as sentient beings: This includes efforts to enshrine this recognition in the Constitution. Previous attempts to legislate this have been dismissed or unfavorably modified.

2. Removal of wildlife around the Tren Maya: This issue highlights a contract between the Secretaría de Marina and a private company that permits the capture and slaughter of animals in the train's path without an environmental impact assessment.

3. Construction of a gas pipeline: Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of a project to construct a gas pipeline from Texas to Sonora, which could potentially harm marine ecosystems, particularly the Gulf of California.

4. Permanent ban on bullfights, cockfights, and all animal spectacles: The march supports initiatives to eliminate these activities that harm animals. Petitions have been collected and discussions on these proposals are ongoing in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.