Ending Animal Cruelty and Economic Exploitation

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The Congress of Mexico City (CDMX) is reviewing the Ley Merlín, a proposed law aimed at addressing animal cruelty and regulating the commercialization of animals, according to reports from local media and official statements. The legislation, named after a 2018 incident involving the mistreatment of a dog in the city, seeks to balance animal welfare protections with the economic realities faced by families who rely on animal-related activities for income.

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What is Ley Merlín?
Ley Merlín, formally known as the "General Law for the Protection of Animals in the Federal District," was first introduced in 2019 to combat animal abuse and ensure ethical treatment. The law prohibits the sale, trade, and transportation of animals for human consumption, particularly in informal markets, and mandates stricter penalties for those found mistreating animals. However, critics argue that the law disproportionately affects low-income communities, where raising and selling animals—such as chickens, goats, or pigs—is a traditional source of livelihood.

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According to a 2023 report by El Universal, the law has faced significant opposition from rural and indigenous groups in CDMX, who claim it infringes on their cultural practices. "We don’t want to harm animals, but this law makes it impossible for us to sustain our families," said María López, a farmer from Tlalnec, a municipality within CDMX. "We’ve raised these animals for generations, and now we’re being criminalized for it."

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Debate Over Economic Impact
The legislation has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of animal rights and economic survival. Proponents, including animal welfare organizations like PETA México, argue that the law is necessary to prevent the systematic cruelty often associated with informal animal markets. "Animals are not commodities," said Laura Fernández, a spokesperson for PETA México. "Ley Merlín protects them from being slaughtered in inhumane conditions and ensures that their welfare is prioritized."

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However, opponents highlight the law’s potential to exacerbate poverty. A 2022 study by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) found that over 12,000 families in CDMX depend on small-scale animal husbandry for at least 50% of their income. "This isn’t just about animals—it’s about survival," said José Ramírez, a representative of the CDMX Farmers’ Association. "If we can’t sell our animals, we lose our only source of revenue."

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Legal and Cultural Context
The debate over Ley Merlín reflects a larger tension between modern animal welfare standards and traditional practices. The law’s current iteration, which is under review by the CDMX Congress, includes provisions to create "animal protection zones" and fund rehabilitation centers for neglected animals. It also seeks to criminalize the sale of animals for meat in public markets, a practice that has long been tolerated in certain neighborhoods.

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The law’s name references the 2018 case of a dog named Merlín, whose mistreatment by a vendor in a CDMX market was widely publicized. The incident led to public outcry and accelerated efforts to pass stronger animal protection legislation. However, the law’s enforcement has been inconsistent, with many rural areas reporting limited resources for monitoring compliance.

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Next Steps in the Legislative Process
As of July 2026, the CDMX Congress is considering amendments to Ley Merlín to address concerns about its economic impact. Proposed changes include exemptions for small-scale farmers and increased funding for alternative income programs. A draft resolution, obtained by Milenio, outlines a "grace period" for families to transition to other livelihoods while maintaining strict penalties for commercial animal trafficking.

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The outcome of the review could set a precedent for similar legislation across Mexico. In 2025, the state of Oaxaca passed a law banning the sale of animals for meat in urban areas, citing both ethical and public health concerns. However,