In Mexico, senator proposes recognizing animals as sentient beings in the constitution for enhanced protection

PRI senator Ángel García Yáñez proposed to include in the Political Constitution the recognition of animals as “sentient beings”, which includes pets such as dogs and cats, with the purpose of giving them rights to avoid animal abuse and protect them from being killed. [...] In his constitutional reform initiative, the senator for Morelos argued that animals should be treated with dignity and, likewise, he proposed to raise to constitutional rank the legal obligation of people and their ethical duty to respect their life. [...] Currently, the penalty for animal mistreatment is up to 10 years in prison and 150 days of salary, and the penalties for animal predators would be increased as a result of the constitutional reform. Ángel García Yáñez stated that despite the fact that there is a worldwide protectionist trend in favor of animals and that we have a legal framework on the matter, Mexico ranks third in animal mistreatment in Latin America, according to data from the National Institute of Geography and Statistics (INEGI). [...] His proposal to include such recognition and obligation in Article 4 of the Constitution, he clarifies, goes beyond protecting the so-called companion animals, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, among others, as it also seeks to protect from mistreatment and cruelty the country’s wild species, many of which are in danger of extinction.
Read the full article here: The Yucatan Times