PAN Accuses Morena Lawmakers of Horse Abuse in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The National Action Party (PAN) has announced plans to file a formal complaint against two state legislators from Quintana Roo, both members of the ruling Morena party, for alleged animal cruelty. The accusation stems from an incident during a horseback parade in Playa del Carmen honoring the Virgin of Carmen, where two horses collapsed due to exhaustion.

Allegations of Negligence and Abuse

PAN deputy Ernesto Sánchez stated that the legislators, María José Osorio and Anahí González, failed to provide adequate hydration to the horses and forced them to ride under extreme heat exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104°F). Sánchez emphasized that the animals were pushed beyond their limits, leading to their collapse during the 13-kilometer procession.

“The negligence of these legislators is appalling,” Sánchez declared. “Even after the horses fell, they were forced to keep walking. This is a clear violation of animal welfare laws.”

The complaint will be submitted to Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), seeking administrative or financial penalties against the legislators. Sánchez also demanded that the head of Quintana Roo’s Civil Protection agency testify before the state congress for allegedly failing to intervene.

Criticism of Morena’s Environmental Record

Sánchez linked the incident to broader criticisms of Morena’s environmental policies, citing the controversial Tren Maya project as another example of the party’s disregard for wildlife and ecosystems. “The 4T administration claims to protect animals, yet their actions prove otherwise,” he said. “From the destruction of jungles to this blatant abuse, they have consistently prioritized spectacle over sustainability.”

The PAN deputy urged the public to remember the incident as emblematic of what he described as systemic failures under Morena’s leadership. “Justice must be served,” he asserted. “These horses suffered needlessly, and those responsible must be held accountable.”

Response and Next Steps

As of now, neither Osorio nor González has publicly responded to the allegations. The case is expected to proceed through Profepa’s investigative channels, with potential sanctions pending the outcome.

The incident has reignited debates over animal rights in public events, particularly in regions like Quintana Roo, where tourism and cultural celebrations often involve animals.