In a significant and compassionate move to show support for animals, Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies and Senate have unanimously approved a measure that will write animal protections into the Constitution, local news reported.
While local congresses still need to approve the bill, its full support thus far is a breakthrough. Mexico has been ranked the third worst country in the world for animal rights violations, with a reported 60,000 animals dying each year due to abuse. Worst of all, these animals don’t get the justice they deserve, with only 0.01% of animal cruelty cases even punished.
Although thirty-one of Mexico’s 32 states already have laws protecting animals from abuse, the introduction of the General Law for Animal Protection and Welfare is a significant step forward. This law will ensure consistent laws and penalties nationwide, giving hope for a brighter future for animal welfare in Mexico.
The bill states that it will work “to protect animals, guarantee their well-being, provide them attention, good treatment, maintenance, accommodation, natural development, health and avoiding abuse, cruelty, suffering, zoophilia and the deformation of their physical characteristics, as well as ensuring the animal health, […] and satisfactory treatment of and general welfare of animals,” according to Mexico News Daily.
Additionally, school curriculum in public schools will include humane treatment and care of animals to foster compassion in future generations and teach them that animals are to be respected and cared for.
Mexico has made tremendous strides in the last several years regarding its treatment of animals. In 2017, the country banned dog fighting, and in 2021, it banned animal testing in cosmetics, becoming the first country in North America to do so.
Lady Freethinker commends Mexico’s legislators for their commitment to animal welfare and hopes other countries will follow suit.
