Between October and February, Puerto Vallarta received 67 reports of animal abuse, yet the municipal Animal Welfare Department lacks the authority to take action. To address this, Councilwoman María Magdalena Urbina Ramírez recently introduced an initiative at the City Council session, calling for the creation of a trained inspector role with the power to follow up on citizen reports.

During the session, Deputy Director of Animal Welfare Roberto Ornelas addressed City Hall, highlighting a major gap in enforcement. While the department can receive and document reports, it has no legal authority to impose administrative sanctions. The proposed reform aims to change this, making animal protection a tangible reality rather than an unfulfilled promise.

Biologist Ornelas stressed the urgency of modifying the regulations:

“Right now, when faced with cases of abuse, cruelty, abandonment, or neglect, our ability to act is severely limited. Laws without enforcement tools are nothing more than empty promises. Every animal that suffers in silence is a challenge to us as a society.”

The proposal includes:

  • Amending articles 3, 4, 18, and 22 and introducing article 32 Bis to establish legally empowered inspectors.
  • Aligning Puerto Vallarta’s Responsible Ownership Regulations with the city’s evolving needs.
  • Ensuring citizen complaints are followed up on and that animal protection laws are enforced.

Ornelas clarified that the inspector role is not intended as a punitive measure but as a necessary bridge between citizen reports and concrete action.

“An inspector is not about punishment—it’s about accountability. This role will not only enforce the law but also educate the public, ensuring better treatment of animals. Passing this initiative is more than an administrative act; it’s an ethical commitment to future generations.”

Although council members acknowledged the urgency of the initiative, the proposal was forwarded for further review. Sixteen council members voted to send it to multiple municipal committees, including Constitutional Affairs and Regulations, Public Finance, Climate Action, Environment, and Animal Protection. They cited the need to allocate human and material resources while ensuring the reform aligns with state and federal laws.

Despite this delay, Ornelas and supporters of the initiative believe Puerto Vallarta has the opportunity to set a national example in animal welfare enforcement.