Green Party Pushes for Regulation of Pet Walkers, Daycare Centers to Combat Abandonment
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A new legislative initiative aims to address the growing issue of pet abandonment and improve animal welfare through the regulation of pet walkers and daycare centers, and the potential creation of publicly funded pet care facilities.
The proposal, spearheaded by senators from the Green Party, seeks to amend Article 87 Bis 2 of the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection. The amendment would require federal and municipal entities to establish and promote a registry for pet walkers, sitters, and daycare centers, ensuring a baseline level of care for companion animals.
Rising Pet Ownership, Growing Concerns
According to figures from INEGI, the country is home to approximately 80 million pets, including 43.8 million dogs, 16.2 million cats, and 20 million other species. This substantial pet population underscores the shared responsibility between the state and society to ensure their well-being.
Currently, while existing legislation acknowledges the need to promote animal welfare, it lacks specific mechanisms to address everyday situations that can lead to neglect or abandonment. These situations include owners’ inability to provide care during work hours, travel, or emergencies – circumstances that can unfortunately result in abuse, negligence, and ultimately, abandonment.
The Health Risks of Isolation
Prolonged isolation can have significant detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of companion animals. Experts warn of a range of issues, including separation anxiety, dehydration, hypoglycemia, and kidney damage due to inconsistent access to food and water. Other potential health problems stemming from prolonged confinement include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, constipation, obesity, diabetes, and joint diseases.
“Pets should not be left alone for prolonged periods, as this puts their physical, psychological, and social well-being at risk,” a senior official stated. “The creation of public daycare centers for pets operated by municipalities and federal entities represents a preventive and community health policy that directly addresses the problem of abandonment and improves the quality of life of both the animals and the families that live with them.”
Addressing Concerns with Private Services
The initiative also acknowledges the widespread use of professional pet sitters and walkers. However, legislators have expressed concern over instances where these services fail to prioritize animal welfare. This has fueled calls for increased regulation to ensure consistent quality of care.
“There have been some cases where those in charge of these services do not meet the objective of providing well-being to animals,” one legislator noted, emphasizing the urgency of establishing oversight.
A Multifaceted Approach to Animal Welfare
Beyond addressing immediate care needs, proponents of the initiative believe it will have broader societal benefits. They argue that the measure represents a “social debt” in terms of animal protection, while simultaneously strengthening community bonds, creating specialized jobs, and fostering harmonious coexistence between people and their pets.
The proposed legislation represents a significant step towards recognizing the vital role companion animals play in society and ensuring their well-being is prioritized.
