Animal Welfare Experts Seek Tougher Rules and Penalties in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Animal welfare specialists are seeking to join the working groups reviewing Playa del Carmen’s Animal Protection Regulations, arguing that the current ordinance is inconsistent and lacks effective mechanisms for punishing animal abuse, irresponsible pet ownership, and inadequate living conditions.

Dog trainer Rubén Mejía said authorities have shown openness to correcting the inconsistencies and allowing people with hands-on experience in animal care to participate in the process. He said the update should be based on technical expertise rather than political considerations.

New Obligations Proposed for Pet Guardians and Rescuers

Among the proposed changes is updating the regulation’s terminology to recognize dogs as sentient beings and replacing the concept of “owner” with “guardian.” The revised rules would also include provisions guaranteeing adequate food, space, health care, behavior, and overall well-being for animals.

Mejía said effective enforcement mechanisms are needed for conduct such as walking dogs off-leash or failing to pick up their feces on public streets, noting that existing provisions are difficult to apply or lack clear procedures for compliance.

He also called for regulating the work of people who present themselves as animal rescuers to prevent cases of animal hoarding or potential profiteering. He proposed creating controls, registries, and statistics to reveal how those operations function and to strengthen a comprehensive animal welfare policy in Playa del Carmen.