Animal abuse is a persistent problem in Mexico City, from abandonment to physical abuse, and that is why legislative initiatives have been launched to protect them.
The Environmental and Territorial Ordering Attorney’s Office (PAOT) offers various options for any citizen to report these acts and protect animals. Below, we explain how to file a complaint and what aspects you should consider.
How to report animal abuse in CDMX?
If you witness or are aware of a case of animal abuse, you can file a complaint through different channels:
Online: Access the official PAOT website (paot.org.mx) and select “Report.”
Mobile application: Download the “Report PAOT” app for iOS and Android. Telephone: Call 55 5265 0780, extensions 15410, 15430, 15440 and 15400.
In person: Visit the PAOT offices at Medellín 202, ground floor, Colonia Roma, Cuauhtémoc City Hall, CDMX, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Emergencies: Call 911 if the animal is in immediate danger.
These measures seek to guarantee animal welfare and allow anyone to report acts of abuse. Remember that you can also file a report of animal abuse at the BVA in CDMX.
What information is needed to report animal abuse in CDMX?
Unfortunately, animals continue to suffer from this problem; in the last 4 years alone, there have been more than 18 thousand reports of animal abuse in the capital.
For the complaint to be effective, it is essential to provide the following information:
Exact location: Where the abuse occurred or is occurring.
Description of the animal: Breed, approximate age and distinctive features.
Type of abuse: Beatings, neglect, abandonment, illegal commercialization, etc. -Evidence: Photographs, videos or other relevant documents.
Information on the alleged aggressor: Name, address or any available information.
Remember that this complaint is anonymous and in this way people who seek to avoid problems with the complainants are protected.
Laws and sanctions against animal abuse
CDMX has the Animal Protection Law, which establishes penalties of:
Six months to four years in prison depending on the severity of the abuse.
Fines of 200 to 400 days of minimum wage.
Increase of up to two additional years if methods of extreme cruelty are used.
In addition, there are more specific sanctions depending on the type of abuse:
Non-fatal injuries: Anyone who causes physical harm to an animal without endangering its life can face six months to two years in prison, in addition to a fine equivalent to 50 to 100 days of salary.
Injuries that endanger life or cause death: In these cases, the penalty increases from two to four years in prison, with a fine of 200 to 400 days of salary.
Cruel methods or prolongation of suffering: If the abuse includes methods that cause prolonged suffering, the penalty can increase to ten years in prison.
All of this is in addition to the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Plan presented by CDMX authorities at the end of last year.
Source: posta
