A man was sentenced to more than ten years in prison this Tuesday in the central Mexican state of Querétaro Rescue and emotional aid dogs for the killing of Athos and Tango They are part of the emergency corps of the Mexican Red Cross, and for the first time in the country’s history, a criminal case for animal abuse has been reached.
The person who poisoned the rescue dogs on June 13, 2021 was sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison. giving him poisonous sausages and giving him death to two animals. Balaam, son of Athos, also became severely fond of solid foods.
There are three offenses for which Benjamín ‘N was found guilty: aggravated crime against animals—one for Athos’ death, another for Tango’s death, as well as aggression against Balam—for injuries he caused; and animal cruelty for the poison used. For this, in addition to jail, Benjamín ‘N’ will have to pay 2.3 million pesos (very little). Over $115,000) to repair the damage, along with a fine of 115,000 pesos (about $5,700).
“Based on the puppies’ worth, their education and all the care they had, we were sentenced to ten years and six months in prison and provided exemplary compensation for the damage,” the lawyer told the media. Mónica Huerta is Edgar Martínez’s legal counsel, instructor and owner of Athos and Tango.
Given the criteria the judge used in determining the sanction, the defendant was given the maximum sentence stipulated in the sentencing competition, although this does not mean that the perpetrator will go to jail immediately, but it will have to appear on August 30. again in court at the hearing where the sentence will be read. “After the sentence is read, you have 10 working days on August 30 to appeal (…) You will have to exhaust your resources, the law gives you some resources such as appeal and after. If this appeal decision is not positive, a protection comes directly,” added Huerta.
The lawyer explained that the judge felt that the degree of emotion that resulted from the loss of both dogs was high. Not only the dog’s keeper, but the community as well.considered an irreparable loss for their work, that “in this particular case neither the penalty nor the economic amount was sufficient to repair the damage”. This sanction makes clear that in Querétaro and Mexico the loss of a pet is no longer spoken of as an object but as a living entity that represents irreparable damage and loss to a family.
Emmanuel Tovar Amador, veterinarian for dogs trained by Edgar Martínez, thinks that the achievement of a trial sets a precedent for justice for animals in Mexico. “Today there is a penalty; But most importantly, we can get away with this punishment, we can work, and this means that there is no animal abuse,” he said.