Rampant Animal Abuse Epidemic in Yucatan: Urgent Call to Action!

The first four months of this year have seen a distressing increase in animal abuse cases in Yucatan, with an estimated 60 incidents occurring daily. These abuses range from abandonment to poisoning and mutilation, a significant increase from the previous average of 20 cases per day.

Elsa Arceo, an independent animal rights activist and rescuer, has expressed her shock and anger at the escalating situation. "This is worse than ever," she says, noting that the problem has spread from danger zones in Kanasin and Tekax to other towns such as Motul, Tizimin, Chicxulub Pueblo, Chumayel, and Progreso.

Arceo and her fellow activists are organizing a peaceful demonstration at the Monument to the Homeland in Merida on Saturday, May 4, at 5 p.m. The aim is to raise awareness of the issue and to call for the enforcement of the new “Rufo Law”. This law, designed to protect both domestic and street animals, carries maximum sentences of 10 years in prison for offenders.

Despite the introduction of the new law, Arceo believes the situation is unsustainable. She points out that the law has unclear points and that both aggressors and activists have observed a lack of enforcement. This has led to calls for authorities and political candidates to take animal welfare seriously.

Arceo also suggests that the increase in animal abuse cases may reflect mental health issues among the perpetrators. She calls for psychological support for these individuals, stating, "A person who harms an animal is the debut of a criminal."

The demonstration on Saturday aims to engage not only the public but also political candidates. Activists are inviting candidates to share their positions on animal abuse and to make concrete commitments to animal welfare. Interested candidates can connect with the activists through the Facebook account Independent Rescuers United Merida, Yucatan.