Lawmaker Seeks Pet Body Disposal Regulations After Crematorium Scandal

CHETUMAL, QR. – Federal Deputy Humberto Aldana Navarro stated that he is analyzing the possibility of presenting a reform initiative to establish protocols for the final disposition of pet bodies and prevent the multiplication of cases like those that occurred with the Xibalbá crematorium fraud.

The legislator agreed that there is no established scheme or protocol as exists for human bodies, which is why some families choose to cremate their animals or dispose of them in various ways, such as leaving them in vacant lots or garbage dumps.

He indicated that in the case of crematoriums, there is also no regulation that certifies their operations, and this does not guarantee that procedures are adequate, even though some businesses have operating permits.

Legal Review to Regulate Pet Bodies

He explained that to establish regulations on this matter, it will be necessary to review which laws would need to be modified, such as the Health Law, the Animal Welfare Law, and environmental legislation.

He added that community space for pet bodies, including stray animals, should also be provided for.

He noted that municipal autonomy must be considered, since city councils are responsible for procedures related to the operation of businesses like crematoriums or, where applicable, community animal depositories, as well as centers or shelters.

He mentioned that federal legislation on the matter can be carried out through legal reservations.

He commented that the first step will be to confirm viability and, subsequently, review the laws that could be modified. He emphasized that analysis of the necessary resources for implementation should not be overlooked.

Comprehensive Proposal to Address Pet Bodies in Municipalities

He specified that this is an issue that must be reviewed in detail, since any measure will involve operational expenses that, in some way, will need to be recovered, which would fall mainly on city councils.

He highlighted that the proposal must be accessible for families and accompanied by a sterilization and awareness campaign.

He reiterated that the protocol for the final disposition of pet bodies, both stray and from homes, must be analyzed to avoid public health problems, contamination, and frauds like that of the Xibalbá crematorium in Chetumal, resulting from lack of regulation and legal gaps. He noted that incineration spaces generate significant carbon emissions.

In Chetumal, more than 600 families were affected by the Xibalbá crematorium, which led to protests and more than 261 criminal complaints, of which at least six have been brought to court.

Following investigations, more than 123 pet bodies and animal remains were located.

A recurring complaint from families is that there are no protocols to determine what to do with their pets when they die, which is why they turn in good faith to crematoriums without certification or corresponding permits. Other families prefer to dispose of their animals in vacant lots, bury them on their properties, or take them to garbage dumps.