The outrage over the murder of a veterinarian in Mexico paralyzed downtown Mexico City on Tuesday and extended to other cities in the country, where a nationwide strike was called to demand an end to attacks against the profession. Under the slogan 'Not one more veterinarian', thousands of people took to the streets in downtown Mexico City to raise awareness about the increase in violence against the sector.
'If a veterinary doctor marches, it’s because the situation is serious,' warned Juan Jorge Avilés, president of the Mexican Institute of Fauna, Flora and Social Sustainability, before observing a minute of silence for his slain colleague.
The demonstration occurred after the murder of veterinarian Héctor Hernández Cañas on February 11 in Tultepec, State of Mexico, allegedly by the guardians of a dog. According to initial reports, the veterinarian had received threats and extortions from the dog's guardians, who demanded a sum of money from him.
'We cannot place a police officer at every veterinary clinic, but we can foster awareness among every citizen,' Avilés added. Veterinarian Miguel Torres Bautista shared that he has also been a victim of threats in his private practice, which persist daily.
Torres explained that the mobilization arose from the outrage of several colleagues who organized to demand better security conditions, as they are all vulnerable. He reported having documented at least 19 murders of veterinarians since 2019.
The protesters marched from the Palace of Fine Arts to the Senate to deliver a petition that was later taken to the Congress of Mexico City. Among their demands is to include the figure of the veterinary doctor in the animal welfare law and reforms to the penal code for harsher penalties for this type of aggression.
The protest has resulted in the closure of several veterinary clinics and pet daycare centers and has seen students and professors from various universities joining in. The protests have replicated in 12 cities across Mexico.
The veterinary profession warned of a growing problem: the violence and harassment they face on social media, as well as the proliferation of fake veterinarians who lack a degree and professional license. There was a call to verify the appropriate documentation when attending a veterinary consultation to avoid potential fraud.
