Zapopan approved a new Reglamento de Protección Animal at the Cabildo de Gobierno on 13 July, aligning the municipality with 2019 reforms to the Código Penal de Jalisco achieved by Igualdad Animal México through the Jalisco Sin Crueldad campaign.
The regulation broadens protection to all species regardless of use and highlights for the first time animals killed for consumption, establishing that rastros must follow Normas Oficiales Mexicanas and that animals must be induced to a state of unconsciousness prior to death.
The measure also criminalizes acts such as failing to stun animals before slaughter, performing mutilations, and veterinary negligence, and it forbids killing animals for consumption in public spaces or places that lack required sanitary and inocuity authorizations.
Igualdad Animal México worked with regidora Gabriela Cárdenas and local protection groups to advance the rule, and Dulce Ramírez, directora ejecutiva of Igualdad Animal México, said "Este es un gran proceso para los animales en granja, animales que nunca han sido visibilizados en el marco de protección legal. Es un reglamento que se alinea a nuestro Código Penal, pues son los Ayuntamientos quienes tienen la mayor responsabilidad en la implementación."
The new municipal regulation further prohibits using dogs to guard lots or uninhabited properties without care, bans magic or illusion acts with animals, and sets a "pro animal" interpretation principle so norms more favorable to animals prevail when doubt exists, without undermining human rights.
Adoption Album And Shelter Details
Separately, Protección Animal Zapopan launched a World Cup 2026 themed adoption album to boost dog and cat adoptions, featuring shelter animals in place of footballers to encourage families to visit the refuge.
The campaign centers on the CISAZ, Centro de Sanidad Animal de Zapopan, located at Avenida Jardines de Las Palmas 1650, colonia Jardines del Vergel, open Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Prospective adopters can call 33 38 1822 00 ext. 3280 for questions and must present a legible official ID copy and a recent proof of address to complete an adoption, with organizers asking for long term commitment and empathy if a promoted animal is already adopted.
The shelter notes that images may show animals already adopted by the time of a visit, which is positive news, and it emphasizes that many other dogs and cats remain available, including animals presented as Cacahuate and Benito in campaign materials.
