Mérida Animal Rights March Defies Sabotage Attempt

Mérida, Yucatán — The historic center of Mérida became the stage for a peaceful demonstration on Saturday afternoon as activists and animal rights advocates marched from nearby gathering points to the steps of the Government Palace. The protest aimed to demand stronger state intervention against the rising number of animal abuse cases reported across Yucatán.

Alleged Sabotage Attempt Fails to Deter Protesters

The march proceeded despite prior notifications to some media outlets claiming the event had been canceled. Participants alleged that Raúl Argaez, a representative of the collective Red Animal Yucatán, disseminated the false cancellation notice without consensus from other participating organizations.

"What this man did was an act of sabotage. He sent word that the march was canceled, but here we are. We organized without him because this is about the animals, not personal interests," said Elsa Arceo, spokesperson for Rescatistas Independientes Unidos de Mérida, visibly angered by the incident.

Frustration was shared among attendees, many of whom traveled from municipalities such as Tizimín, Ticul, and Seyé to join the protest. "This isn’t fair. We came from far away, made an effort to be here. This isn’t a whim—it’s a serious fight for those without a voice," stated an activist from Seyé.

Calls for Stronger Animal Protection Measures

Protesters chanted slogans condemning animal cruelty and called for concrete government action, including stricter animal protection laws, harsher penalties for offenders, and increased surveillance in rural areas where numerous cases of violence against dogs, cats, and other domestic animals have been reported.

Organizers announced plans to meet with representatives from the State Secretariat of Sustainable Development on Monday at 6 p.m. to seek tangible commitments and immediate solutions.

The demonstration concluded peacefully, with activists vowing to maintain pressure on authorities until animal abuse in Yucatán is no longer an overlooked issue.