Pet Crematory Scandal: Fraud and Animal Cruelty Exposed

CHETUMAL — The State Attorney General's Office (FGE) has opened an investigation for the alleged crimes of fraud and animal mistreatment against the company "Casa Xibalbá," dedicated to offering pet cremation services in the city of Chetumal. This follows the discovery of a clandestine cemetery containing the remains of animals that had supposedly been incinerated.

According to authorities, approximately 300 people were affected, having contracted cremation services with the company under the belief that the remains they received corresponded to their pets, a fact that is now under verification.

Lucio Cruz, Director of Animal Welfare for the Office of the Attorney for Environmental Protection (PPA), reported that during a joint operation with personnel from the PPA and the Municipal Health Directorate, approximately 50 corpses of dogs and cats were located in an area near the crematorium's facilities.

"The conditions in which the bodies were found reflect an act of cruelty and a total lack of respect for the animals and their owners," expressed the official.

The discovery stemmed from complaints filed by families who noticed inconsistencies in the remains they received, as well as foul odors emanating from the property where the company operated. In response to these reports, state authorities proceeded to secure the location and carry out the initial forensic procedures.

For its part, the State Attorney General's Office confirmed that an investigation file has been initiated to determine the criminal responsibility of the company's owners and employees. The primary suspect has been identified as Alejandro Yah Navarrete, owner of "Casa Xibalbá," who is currently a fugitive and is being sought by authorities.

The case has generated strong outrage among the residents of Chetumal and animal protection groups, who are demanding justice and a stricter review of establishments offering funeral services for pets in the state.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney for Environmental Protection and the Attorney General's Office are continuing their investigations to fully identify the victims and verify if the bodies correspond to the pets whose owners contracted the cremation service. The authorities reiterated their commitment to the application of the law and asked affected individuals to come forward to the FGE to file a formal complaint and assist in the integration of the investigation file.