The Jalisco State Congress has passed new legislation imposing tougher penalties for animal abuse.
Under the new law, punishments will vary based on the severity of the abuse, ranging from fines to prison sentences. For cases where the animal’s health is not endangered, offenders could face 8 to 18 months in prison, along with fines between 7,600 and 16,000 pesos.
In more severe cases, where the abuse results in permanent physical disability or endangers the animal’s life, the penalties increase to 1 to 2 years in prison, with fines ranging from 21,714 to over 65,000 pesos.
The law also introduces stricter consequences for those who abandon or neglect animals, with potential prison terms of 1 to 4 years and fines up to 65,142 pesos. In the most extreme cases, where the abuse leads to the death of an animal, penalties could rise to 3 to 5 years in prison, accompanied by fines between 21,714 and 108,570 pesos.
Yussara Canales, a Morena deputy and key proponent of the reform, urged citizens to report any cases of animal abuse to the authorities.
With these harsher sanctions, the Jalisco Congress aims to strengthen the protection of animal rights and raise public awareness about animal welfare.