Horses Collapse in Heat During PVEM Deputy’s Parade

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Two horses collapsed during a parade in honor of the Virgin of Carmen in Playa del Carmen, reportedly due to heat exhaustion. The event, led by Green Party (PVEM) deputy María José Osorio Rosas, has sparked widespread criticism on social media and from animal rights groups.

Alleged Negligence During 12-Kilometer Parade

The parade began Saturday at 11 a.m. from the fairgrounds, covering 12 kilometers under extreme temperatures. Witnesses and videos shared online suggest the horses were not properly hydrated and were forced to continue the route, leading to their collapse in front of attendees, including Senator Anahí González Hernández and other officials.

Deputy Osorio Rosas later posted a video stating her horse, “La Brujis,” had been fitted with rubber horseshoes and given electrolyte-infused water afterward. “We even put rubber horseshoes on her… we gave her water with electrolytes so she could recover from all the sweating,” she said, without directly addressing the two horses that collapsed.

Animal Rights Groups Demand Accountability

Animal welfare organizations have called for a formal investigation and sanctions over potential animal cruelty. The incident has intensified debates about animal protection and the responsibility of event organizers in extreme weather conditions.

The controversy highlights concerns over the treatment of animals in public events, particularly those involving government officials.