Mexico City Congress proposes jail time for inciting animal cruelty after TV host's remarks

Lawmakers in Mexico City's Congress are advancing new initiatives aimed at imposing stricter penalties, including imprisonment, for inciting animal cruelty. These proposals were directly influenced by public outrage following controversial remarks made by television host Pedro Sola.

One key proposal, put forth by Morena deputy Miguel Ángel Macedo, seeks to amend Article 350 Bis of the local Penal Code. This amendment would introduce prison sentences ranging from one to three years, along with fines, for individuals who incite, induce, or call for others to commit acts of animal cruelty through any communication channel, including digital platforms and social media. The penalties would be increased if the incitement occurs via mass media or widely accessible digital platforms. The proposal includes an exception for expressions made within the bounds of free speech, journalism, or academic discourse, provided they do not constitute direct incitement to commit crimes.

A second initiative, proposed by fellow Morena deputy Elizabeth Mateos, also targets modifications to the Penal Code. This proposal would impose prison sentences of one to four years and fines for publicly provoking or advocating for a crime or vice, even if the crime is not ultimately committed. If the crime is executed, the instigator would face penalties according to established rules of authorship and participation.

Both initiatives cite the public statements made by Pedro Sola during the program "Ventaneando." Sola reportedly expressed a desire to "throw poisoned meat" at dogs in public places and suggested shooting people walking their pets. These comments generated significant social media reaction and led to a formal complaint being filed against Sola with the Mexico City Attorney General's Office by the advocacy group 'Va por sus Derechos.' The proposed legislation aims to prevent similar incidents by establishing clear legal consequences for inciting harm to animals.

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No constituirán delito las expresiones emitidas en ejercicio de la libertad de expresión, la actividad periodística, artística, científica, académica o de interés público, siempre que no constituyan una incitación directa, expresa e inequívoca a la comisión de delitos