28 Mexican Officials Charged in Illegal Hunting Scheme

The International Fund for Animal Welfare welcomed a decision by the Mexican Government in January to pursue sanctions against 28 officials involved in a massive illegal hunting scheme.

An IFAW investigation launched last November indicated Mexican authorities issued illegal permits leading to the slaughter of more than 2.5 million animals over the last two years.

The 28 officials involved will now have to face the consequences of their actions.

"This is an important step forward and welcome news for anyone concerned with the protection of Mexico's natural heritage," said Bettina Bugeda, Director of IFAW Latin America. "We welcome the Mexican Government's willingness to pursue these environmental crimes."

"IFAW will be following these cases closely," she said. "We are hopeful this decision signals increased political will and vigilance regarding laws protecting animals and the environment."

The IFAW investigation was undertaken following the illegal importation of 28 dolphins from the Solomon Islands into Mexico last July.

In the course of reviewing government records and other documents, IFAW discovered hunting permits had been illegally issued for countless animal species across the country.

Former Deputy Environment Minister Raul Arriaga was responsible for the granting of the illegal hunting permits as well as for the granting of the import permit of the dolphins.

Raul and other officials now face sanctions ranging from dismissal to criminal prosecution. IFAW expects the same type of sanctions will ultimately be brought in the dolphin import case.

"The Government of Mexico should be commended," said Bugeda. "Millions of animals and sensitive ecosystems across the country are more secure today because of this enforcement action. IFAW looks forward to the announcement of administrative procedures and sanctions."

© 2004 Animal News Center, Inc.