Prosecutors Charge 41 With Animal Abuse in Quintana Roo

Cancún, Quintana Roo — State prosecutors in Quintana Roo have formally charged 41 people with animal abuse and cruelty over the past two years, including cases involving the deaths of dogs, officials said.

Some of the defendants are being held in pretrial detention while their cases move through the courts, according to Normando Bustos, the state’s special prosecutor for environmental crimes, wildlife and urban development.

Bustos said the cases remain in the complementary investigation phase and no final sentences have been handed down yet. He added that the growing number of prosecutions reflects an increase in public reporting and greater confidence that authorities will follow through on complaints.

To strengthen investigations, the prosecutor’s office has assigned forensic veterinarians, specialized experts, environmental engineers and investigation police to the cases. Their reports are used to scientifically establish the severity and origin of injuries to the animals, evidence that can be decisive before judges.

While the cases have yet to end in verdicts, the shift is notable in Quintana Roo, where animal abuse complaints are now reaching the courtroom.