**Stricter Penalties Sought for Illegal Street Animal Sales in Tijuana**
In Tijuana, the ongoing issue of illegal animal sales both at the international border and within city streets has prompted officials to push for harsher penalties against those engaging in this illicit activity. Councilwoman Michel García Arceo has emphasized that collaborative discussions are underway, involving municipal departments, the State Prosecutor’s Office, and civil organizations to tackle this problem effectively.
“We are working on a direct mechanism to combat illegal animal sales, and aim to collaborate with the State Prosecutor to enforce stricter penalties, in order to significantly reduce this illegal practice,” stated García Arceo. Alongside more severe penalties, there is an initiative to foster responsible adoption by coordinating with the Animal Control Directorate and the Veterinary College to streamline processes.
Animal cruelty is currently recognized as a criminal offense and should be penalized, emphasized García Arceo, who urged the public not to purchase animals from street vendors as it fuels this illegal market. As per Article 55 of the Municipal Regulations on Domestic Animal Protection, the sale of domestic animals should only occur in authorized and monitored establishments. Violation of these regulations could lead to fines ranging from 1,080 to 3,240 pesos.
**Demand Grows for Improved Animal Welfare Measures in Baja California**
In related news, activists and animal welfare advocates criticize the inefficiency of the Baja California Rights and Animal Welfare Department, arguing that it fails to protect animal rights adequately. There is growing public discontent as residents mourn incidents of animal cruelty, such as the recent poisoning of dogs in Tijuana’s El Mirador neighborhood.
Moreover, animal welfare protests took place to address the mistreatment of the iconic zebra-painted donkeys in Tijuana, shedding light on broader concerns regarding the welfare of animals in tourism-related activities.
Elsewhere in Tijuana, there’s a call for urgent upgrades to sports facilities, with only 6% of the city’s sports units meeting required dimensions. This comes amid a forecast of clear skies and a maximum temperature of 16°C over the weekend, perfect for residents exploring weekend activities.
Finally, as social and financial issues surface,—such as hospital staff facing payment delays or the return of the Migration Fund amid the migrant crisis—the civic and social fabric of Tijuana is highly dynamic, reflecting a city poised for addressing challenges from animal welfare to infrastructural developments.