Animal Welfare Law Crackdown: Festivals Must Comply

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency (PPA), Alonso Fernández Lemmen Meyer, has issued a stern warning that the Animal Welfare Law is universally applicable. This means it must be adhered to in all communities, including rural ones, and by all authorities. The warning comes in light of attempts by local deputies and municipal authorities to authorize activities such as bullfights during end-of-year festivities.

Violations of the Animal Welfare Law, which is also part of the Penal Code of Quintana Roo, can result in criminal penalties, including up to six years in prison and fines exceeding 150,000 pesos. Lemmen Meyer assured that these penalties would be imposed regardless of local customs and practices.

The PPA head's comments were in response to an announcement by Silvia Dzul Sánchez, the head of the Indigenous Development Commission. Sánchez had spoken about potential agreements with some municipalities to bypass the law and authorize activities such as bullfights, cockfights, and the use of pyrotechnics during end-of-year and patronal festivities, particularly in the state's rural areas.

Lemmen Meyer reminded Sánchez that it was during her previous term as a deputy that the reforms to the law, which they are now trying to ignore, were approved. He stressed that everyone must respect the law, even if it contradicts local customs and traditions, including those of the Maya ethnic group. He acknowledged that transitioning to these new regulations can be challenging for communities but insisted that the law must be upheld to prevent animal suffering.

Lemmen Meyer also recalled that in 2022, the mayor of José María Morelos, Erick Borges Yam, was fined for promoting and authorizing bullfights and cockfights at a traditional festival in his municipality. He admitted that due to a lack of staff, it's not possible to inspect every event, especially in rural communities. Therefore, he urged the public to report any activities that violate the Animal Welfare Law.