Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The animal protection group Toda Vida es Importante reported that the municipalities of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Chetumal account for the highest number of animal abuse reports and complaints in Quintana Roo.
Rafael Rivero Aburto, a representative of the organization, said that during the first five months of 2026, 20 people in the state have been formally charged by a judge from the State Prosecutor’s Office after complaints were filed related to attacks, abandonment, and acts of cruelty against animals.
Rivero explained that the most common cases involve dogs and cats suffering physical violence, lack of food, abandonment in homes, prolonged chaining, and neglect of basic care. However, authorities have also detected mistreatment of wildlife and animals used for illegal breeding.
Rivero highlighted that the increase in complaints reflects greater citizen participation and a growing culture of animal protection, as many cases previously went unreported due to lack of awareness or distrust in legal processes.
“Today there is greater social awareness and people are more willing to report. That has allowed authorities to act and some offenders to face legal consequences,” he said.
He noted that Cancun leads the list due to its population size and the high number of daily reports, while Playa del Carmen also maintains a significant incidence driven by urban growth and stray animals. In Chetumal, complaints have risen in recent years thanks to the involvement of collectives and civil organizations.
The activist called for strengthening specialized animal welfare units and speeding up the handling of complaints. He stressed that many animal abuse cases are linked to broader social issues such as domestic violence, abandonment, substance abuse, and lack of education on responsible pet ownership.
Rivero urged the public not to remain indifferent to possible acts of cruelty and to report any suspicious situations to the relevant authorities or protection groups, reminding that animal abuse is a crime punishable by law in Quintana Roo.
