Mexico’s President signs constitutional reform to protect animals
- In December 2024, President Claudia Sheinbaum signed reforms to Articles 3, 4, and 73, officially adding animal protection to Mexico’s Constitution.
- This milestone came after unanimous approval in both houses of Congress and ratification by a majority of states.
- Previously, animal protection laws were managed by local and state governments, resulting in inconsistent standards and enforcement.
- These constitutional changes empower Congress to create Mexico’s first nationwide animal protection law, ensuring uniform protections for animals.
- Animal Equality has been advocating for this reform since 2021, citing severe abuses on farms and slaughterhouses across the country.
Update December 2024 – President Claudia Sheinbaum signed reforms to Articles 3, 4, and 73, officially adding animal protection to Mexico’s Constitution. The reforms took effect on December 3, 2024.
Update November 2024 – Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies—the lower house of Congress—unanimously approved reforms to Articles 3, 4, and 73. The Senate also passed them unanimously, and they were later ratified by a majority of states.
Update October 2024: In her first address as head of state, Mexico’s new president–Claudia Sheinbaum–declared her support for constitutional reform to protect animals.
Update September 2024: Animal Equality’s Vice President for Latin America met with Mexican legislators, who pledged to vote on constitutional reform. Meanwhile, advocates gathered at national monuments in Mexico City to raise awareness and collect petition signatures.
Update August 2024 – The Constitutional Points Committee–a legislative body in Mexico–unanimously approved changes to Articles 3, 4, and 73 of the Constitution. They must now be voted on by the Plenary, or the lower house of Congress.
Update April 2024 – Animal Equality engaged with lawmakers at the Guerrero State Forum, advocating for constitutional reform.
Update February 2024 – Animal Equality met with legislators from the Political Coordination Board to discuss changes to the Constitution.
Update February 2024 – The Federal Executive presented a package of initiatives, including changes to Articles 3, 4, and 73.
Update September 2023 – Lawmakers proposed a bill to create a General Animal Welfare Law. If passed, this law will protect farmed animals throughout the country.
Update April 2023 – Animal Equality launched a campaign urging the Senate to vote in favor of reforming Article 73.
Update March 30, 2023: The Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies–or the lower house of Congress–approved the initiative to modify Article 73. It then passed to the Senate for approval.
Update March 14, 2023: Animal Equality presented 100,000 petition signatures in Mexico’s Congress, urging for a reform to Article 73 of the Constitution.
Update January 2023 – The initiative to reform Article 73 was approved by a legislative body known as the Constitutional Points Commission.
Update April 2022 – Animal Equality proposed an amendment to Article 4 of the Constitution. This would recognize animals with complex nervous systems as sentient beings.
Update December 2021 – Animal Equality–with support from legislator Gallardo García–proposed changes to Article 73 of Mexico’s Constitution. This amendment would allow Congress to create the country’s first nationwide animal protection law.
A new set of constitutional reforms has been proposed to strengthen animal protection in Mexico. The changes would include:
- Education (Article 3): School curricula would incorporate content on animal protection.
- Animal Protection (Article 4): Mexico’s government would be required to ensure animals are protected, treated well, conserved, and cared for, according to national laws.
- Congressional Authority (Article 73): Mexico’s Congress would be given authority to create Mexico’s first nationwide animal protection law.
Why amend Article 73?
Currently, animal protection is handled by local and state governments. This leads to uneven rules and weak enforcement. Animal Equality’s investigators have uncovered severe abuses at farms and slaughterhouses in Mexico, including:
- Animals hung by their legs, left to bleed out
- Pigs dropped into boiling water while conscious
- Lambs decapitated while conscious
- Animals electrocuted
- The presence of underage workers in slaughterhouses
This proposal is the result of years of dedication from those who believe animals deserve better. It’s more than words or promises—it’s about doing what’s right. – Dulce Ramírez, Vice President of Animal Equality for Latin America
I don’t live in Mexico. How can I take action?
Factory farming is a global issue that extends far beyond Mexico.
Across the U.S., animals suffer in crowded, deadly conditions on factory farms. They’re packed into tight spaces, deprived of natural light, and endure painful practices just to produce meat, dairy, and eggs.
By choosing plant-based options, you’re taking a stand against this system. Every meal is an opportunity to say ‘no’ to suffering and ‘yes’ to kinder living.
LIVE KINDLY
With rich emotional lives and unbreakable family bonds, farmed animals deserve to be protected.
You can build a kinder world by replacing animal food products with plant‑based ones.
