Overview

• On July 18 authorities in San Miguel Coatlinchán detained Maricruz N, 49, and Aurelio N, 72, on charges of killing and beating two dogs captured on video
• Video footage shows a pit bull named Canelo being strangled outside the couple’s tortillería and a second dog being beaten inside their home
• The suspects claim self-defense, with Aurelio N saying he killed Canelo to protect his grandchildren and Maricruz N alleging the other dog attacked hers
• Animal cruelty under Estado de México Penal Code articles 235 Bis and 235 Ter is punishable by six months to two years in prison and carries harsher penalties when the abuse is recorded
• Public outrage over the shared video underscored social media’s growing role in driving law enforcement action on animal welfare violations