An initiative to protect domestic animals in Colima, Mexico has passed unanimously in the state’s Congress. The bill was introduced by Deputy Alfredo Álvarez Ramírez and 11 members of a congressional group that seeks to reform Colima’s Animal Protection Law to include domestic animals. With the passage of the initiative, Colima becomes the second state in Mexico to include an entire chapter dedicated to the protection of cows, pigs, and chickens, affecting nearly 9 million animals.
Deputy Ramírez credited Animal Equality with passing the initiative:
[This initiative is] Thanks to the work of Animal Equality and the political will of our representatives in this Congress, today we have a unique opportunity to deliver justice for animals who have been neglected and treated cruelly. Today, Colima becomes the second state to protect all species from cruelty, including nearly 9 million farm animals.
—Deputy Alfredo Álvarez Ramírez
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What is this initiative?
Mexico is part of the World Animal Health Organization, which recognizes the importance of human, environmental, and animal health. It has established basic animal welfare standards that Animal Equality is working to incorporate into local legislation. These standards include:
- Have enough food and water.
- Housing is non-injurious and provides enrichment or stimulation.
- Periods of light and dark allow animals to express natural behavior, reduce stress levels, and increase physical activity.
- Consider animal health and welfare when selecting animal genetics to avoid traits that could cause significant harm. For example, raising meat chickens to grow so fast that they cannot even get to food or water.
- Veterinary supervision during painful procedures such as castration and tail docking.
In addition to these standards, Animal Equality sought provisions to facilitate the transition from hen houses and end ‘forced makeover’—the practice of intentionally starving hens used in the egg industry to increase production.
The approval of this reform is a progressive and fundamental step forward for the protection and welfare of animals in Colima. At Animal Equality, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all animals raised for human consumption are included in national animal protection laws. We cannot continue to exclude them from the legal framework and still allow cruel practices that cause them so much suffering. This reform is an important step forward, but it is only the beginning of a broader and much-needed change.
—Dulce Ramírez, Director of Animal Equality in Mexico
This historical process took place after years of investigative work by Animal Equality Group in Mexico exposes factory farming practices.
Help us protect pets!
As individuals, we have a responsibility to improve the lives of animals. Just like the dogs and cats we live with, farm animals can experience suffering, pain, and fear. Don’t contribute to their suffering. By eliminating meat, dairy, and eggs from your diet and choosing plant-based proteins, you can take a stand against animal cruelty every day.
Nurturing Compassion
As an empathetic mother, the hen will protect her chicks at all costs.
Show mom some love by replacing eggs in your meals with plant-based alternatives.
