Animal Poisoning in San Miguel

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion regarding the poisoning of animals here in San Miguel. Some have asserted that someone is poisoning food and giving it to or leaving it for animals to find. Others have mentioned that someone is feeding dogs being walked with poisoned treats or kibble and warn owners to beware and warn their dog walkers. Still other claims have been made online regarding activities alleged to be taking place in San Antonio or Centro.

In the 2017 article by Atención, the case against Susan Jones, who used a pseudonym Norah Hodge (source: complaint labeled as folio 68725, Folder 25370), was described. Jones has been described as a tall, 6ft, thin blonde with straight, shoulder length hair, striking cheek bones, and a thinnish face. Now called by the neighbors “La Mataperros,” (the dog killer), poisoned some twenty animals, 10 of which died.  This woman was found guilty in one of the cases and was punished by the authorities. The judiciary found Susan Jones guilty for the death of the three pets.  She had to pay a fine of 1,915 pesos (about $100) and also offer apologies to the affected.  The process concluded because the defendant decided to grant her forgiveness.

The Ministerio Público has told us that Jones has a complaint filed for damaging public lighting, but nothing related to animals currently. Now, as of this moment, no one has been found to be committing these acts. If more owners have had their animals killed, they have not filed complaints the the Ministerio Publico. 

Regardless of who is contributing to these acts, it’s important as a community to come together. We want to live in a peaceful society, one where we can move in public spaces with our animals and not worry about sinister plots to poison animals. Be vigilant and be a good neighbor. Anyone with further information should come forward.

For further info and discussion, see the SMAToday information here:  https://smatoday.groups.io/g/main/search?q=%23LaMataperros&ct=1 Info on animal protection laws in Mexico:  https://www.nafta-law.com/2018/06/are-there-animal-protection-laws-in-mexico/ National laws relating to animals in Mexico: https://www.globalanimallaw.org/database/national/mexico/

With info via SMAToday and Atencion; photo via Anoir Chofik