Animal care center to open in Mexico City

Mexico City will open an animal care center to prevent animal cruelty, enforce animal-related laws, and stop the selling of pets in open markets and shopping malls.

With 47 votes in favor and zero votes against the proposal, the plenary of the Legislative Assembly endorsed the bill.

“We can find an example of animal abuse in the Pericoapa Bazaar in Tlalpan. People there sale animals/pets, which are in a poor state of health, unweaned, without the minimum health standards, and if they die, the sellers tell the customers 'bring it back to me, I won't return your money, but you can take another one' as if they were merchandise." said PRD congressman Victor Hugo Romo, bill's sponsor.

“Unfortunately animals have no voice, they can not file complaints or legal charges," added Romo.

The animal care center will also establish standardized criteria for quality services in dog care centers and veterinary clinics, spread information, impart lectures, conferences and forums on animal welfare and protection.

In addition, it will monitor and verify sterilization, vaccination and medical care of the pets.