After a video of Emiliano Gamero hitting one of his horses was circulated, people expressed their anger through social media; likewise, several activists called for the rejoneador to receive a just punishment.
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The president of the Mexican Association for Animal Rights (Amedea), Gustavo Larios Velasco, stated that the law must act to protect the integrity of the horse.
"Regarding Emiliano Gamero, I don't have more information than what exists in the media; what activists suggest is that they use the legal instruments that currently exist because animal abuse is already a crime in Spain and Mexico, practically throughout the country," declared the head of Amedea in an interview with La Afición.
In addition, Attorney Gustavo Larios stated that "the Law for the Protection of Animals in the administrative field provides for the safeguarding of victims in practically all states; if that is the case, in Durango, where legislation exists, the safeguarding and confiscation of the victims should be provided, as well as an administrative sanction, such as a fine or arrest. In some cases, arrest is non-negotiable for abuses of this kind, for up to 36 hours."
According to the Law for the Protection and Well-being of Animals for the Sustainability of the State of Durango, in Chapter V of Sanctions against Animal Abuse, Article 111 enumerates the punishments:
Article 111.- The following penalties will be applied to those who violate this Law:
I. Warning or public or private admonition;
II. Fine of 50 to 10,000 days of the minimum general wage in force in the State on the date of the commission of the infringement;
III. In the case of intentional acts considered as injuries, torture, humiliation, or mutilation that cause or can cause the death of the Animal, the fine shall be from 100 to 10,000 days of the minimum general wage in force in the State on the date of the commission of the infringement;
IV. Administrative arrest for up to 36 hours in cases of recurrence and up to 72 hours in cases where intentional injuries or death to an Animal are caused. In both cases, the administrative arrest shall not exempt the offender from paying the respective economic sanction;
V. Precautionary seizure of the Animals;
VI. Confiscation of the Animals, as well as of goods and instruments directly related to the infringements of this Law;
VII. Temporary, partial, or total suspension of permits, authorizations, and licenses, as appropriate;
VIII. Revocation of permits, authorizations, and licenses, as appropriate;
Regarding the punishment that Gamero could receive for animal abuse after hitting his horse, the president of Amedea commented that "it is a matter for the Public Prosecutor's Office to consider the situation, understand that this situation is in no way allowed by law, and it is divided into both the fine and the arrest, for violation of the Animal Protection Law. And the jail part will have to pay bail, unfortunately, throughout the country, you can pay bail for this, but the criminal record of this individual would remain."
"Article 117.- The following are medium gravity offenses:
I. Cruelty to animals that causes pain or suffering or non-disabling injuries;
VII. Filming scenes with animals that simulate cruelty, abuse, or suffering without the corresponding administrative authorization."
In addition, Larios Velasco, with his extensive experience in the fight for animal rights, as Amedea has been active for 20 years (since November 1996), reported that it is not necessary to file a complaint since there is evidence on social media; in this case, the authorities should already be taking action.
"They don't require a citizen complaint, the authorities are obligated to act. The Public Prosecutor's Office does not require a citizen to come forward with a complaint, this is already in the media, and the Public Prosecutor's Office, being aware, must intervene," he added.
Bullfighting, maintained by small power groups
The president of Amedea expressed that currently bullfighting is a spectacle that no longer sells; however, it is the powerful people who still keep bullfighting alive.
"Bullfighting, which is absolutely discredited, which is more finished than anything, is kept alive by some small power groups, by capricious people who want to maintain this completely lost spectacle. It is no longer a business, as recognized by breeders and bullfighters," he stated.
The decline of bullfights as an event is due to the fact that "people no longer go, they detest it, bullfighters and bullfighting enthusiasts complain a lot that they are repudiated, and that is a reality; nowadays, instead of being seen as heroes, they are seen for what they are, people who enjoy blood," he concluded.