Morena Senator Mariela Gutiérrez Escalante admitted the sacrifice of around 10,000 street dogs in Tecámac, Mexico State, during her tenure as mayor from 2019 to 2024. The statement followed the spread of a video on social media in which officials confronted her on the issue. In a press conference on April 15, she defended the actions as legal and humane.
Morena Senator Mariela Gutiérrez Escalante confirmed on Wednesday, April 15, the sacrifice of about 10,000 street dogs in Tecámac, where she served as mayor from 2019 to 2024. The issue resurfaced with a video shared by activist Zyanya Polastri, in which officials question Gutiérrez about the animals' health and staff training. In the video, she states the sacrifices followed Mexican official norms and the Constitution.
In her press conference, Gutiérrez stated: “No hubo indiferencia, no hubo crueldad. Enfrenté una realidad difícil y tomé decisiones en marco de la ley, buscando el menor daño posible” (There was no indifference, no cruelty. I faced a difficult reality and made decisions within the law, seeking the least harm possible). She detailed figures like 70 dogs in 2019, totaling around 10,000, emphasizing protocols for hopeless cases.
The 2006 Animal Protection Law of Mexico State allows pet sacrifice only for severe illnesses or old age, with veterinary certification. The 2013 Biodiversity Regulation permits humane sacrifice of street animals in control centers under veterinary oversight.
Gutiérrez, who has held roles such as AALMAC president and Morena counselor, insisted the facts are in government reports and denied any deception.
