Following her April 15 confirmation of euthanizing 10,962 street dogs as mayor of Tecámac, Morena Senator Mariela Gutiérrez Escalante reported threats from animal rights activists, including leaked personal data and intimidating messages. President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the actions as legal, while Mexico State's prosecutor's office launched an animal cruelty investigation.
After her press conference confirming the euthanasia of 10,962 street dogs in line with NOM-033 to address overpopulation, attacks, and sick animals—while noting 60,000-80,000 adoptions—Gutiérrez attributed the threats to political motives. "If something happens to me, we will go after the animalistas," she warned.
The Fiscalía General de Justicia del Estado de México (FGJEM) initiated a probe under penal code articles 235 Bis and 235 Ter, which penalize animal cruelty with up to six years imprisonment, aggravated for officials.
On April 16, President Sheinbaum stated: "She did not violate the law because it was under a norm," urging updates to prioritize welfare. Activist Zyanya Polastri, who sparked the issue with a video, called for Gutiérrez's removal.
