Officials from the Animal Surveillance Brigade of the Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) of Mexico City secured four cats and two dogs that were being offered for adoption for money by a man in the Cuauhtémoc borough. Officers responded to a citizen report, which indicated that the man had a cage with several animals, whom he was giving up for adoption for money on the bridge at the Glorieta de los Insurgentes, on Insurgentes Avenue. The animal brigade took in the kittens and 'little dogs'. Specialists confirmed that the four cats and two dogs were in good physical condition and without injuries, so they were transferred to the Xochimilco borough for detailed examination by veterinary doctors. The man, about 40 years old, was informed of his legal rights and taken before a judge who will define his legal situation and the corresponding sanction. Is it illegal to sell dogs in CDMX? In Mexico City, the Animal Protection and Welfare Law prohibits the sale of live animals on public roads, in tianguis and bazaars, in vehicles, and in department stores, as well as in supermarkets and other establishments. It was this same law that, since January 2026, banned the sale of live animals at the Sonora Market, although activists have reported that the offer of various species continues. The sanction in case that people or merchants fail to comply and continue with the sale of live animals in the Sonora Market premises implies the total closure of their premises. Article 25 of the Animal Welfare Law of CDMX states that 'It is prohibited for any reason: V. The sale and exploitation of animals on public roads or in vehicles'. Section VI details the prohibition of 'The sale of live animals in department stores, supermarkets and, in general, in any other commercial establishment authorized for a business different from the sale of animals'. Meanwhile, it is specified that establishments authorized to sell animals must issue sale certificates to the person who acquires an animal. Likewise, in March 2026, Deputy Manuel Talayero presented a reform initiative for the Animal Protection and Welfare Law of CDMX, which would include the prohibition of the sale of animals on the internet. 'While we were closing doors to illegal commerce on the streets, mistreatment opened windows on the internet. Today the sale of dogs and cats happens every day on social networks, on digital platforms and, of course, on whatsapp chains', he said when presenting the initiative, which was referred to the Animal Welfare Commission.
