Profepa issues administrative resolution against Fundación Black Jaguar White Tiger

After a wait of almost two years and a prolonged silence, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa), issued on April 22, the administrative resolution of the emblematic case of animal abandonment and abuse of the Black Jaguar White Tiger Foundation (BJWT). ).

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Thus, A small light of hope emerges to achieve justice for more than 200 starving big catswho ended up eating each other due to hunger, while living under the façade of a glamorous sanctuary owned by Eduardo Serio, on a property in the Ajusco area, which was only accessible by celebrities such as Khloé Kardashian, Demi Lovato or Lewis Hamilton.

In an exclusive interview with Excelsior, Blanca Alicia Mendoza, head of Profepa, revealed that the resolution and corresponding notification have already been issuedof this unfortunate event that caused great indignation at the national and international level.

“Naturally and due to the background of the issue, there are sanctions imposed,” he said.

The resolution contemplates an accumulation of fines, the amount of which was not revealed due to the secrecy that the case warrants, but which is calculated, based on the General Wildlife Law, to total more than 20 million pesos; in addition to the definitive confiscation of the big cats and the registration of Eduardo Serio to the Register of Environmental Offenders, so that he can never again have another animal in his possession.

Based on the analysis of all the situations that occurred, the sanction is considerable; almost the maximum. The registration in the registry of offenders proceeds when the sanctions are final,” explained Blanca Alicia Mendoza.

According to the law, The owner of the Black Jaguar White Tiger Foundation now has 15 business days to challenge the resolution before Profepa, through a review appeal or process a direct protection in a collegiate court.

In addition, you have a period of 30 business days in case you want to appeal to the Administrative Justice Court.

The person in charge of protecting wildlife species in our country justified the delay in reaching the resolution of the administrative process that began in July 2022, due to the “meticulous work” they did in preparing medical opinions for each of the 200 specimens. .

I have confidence in the abilities and dedication of the colleagues who provide their services here as public servants, this despite the fact that they are frequently reviled, very negative accusations are frequently made against them and also against the institution itself; “It is a recurring thing and it is fashionable to say that the institution does not have resources and the people are of no use,” he lamented.

Blanca Alicia Mendoza ruled out that the resolution could fall in courtafter stating that Profepa still had three years to resolve the matter, since, he assured, the statute of limitations is a maximum of five years.

In this regard, Christopher Estupiñán, legal representative of the Association of Zoos, Hatcheries and Aquariums of Mexico (AZCARM), expressed his doubts about the solidity of the resolution, after pointing out flaws in the actions of the authorities and the existence of jurisprudence on expiration. of the procedures, which could work in favor of Eduardo Serio.

The 100-day period that the authority had to resolve has already passed, and solely because of that fact, it is enough for an administrative court to agree with the inspected party, and overthrow the entire procedure, without having to go into the substance of the matter. ”, he detailed.

No progress

Until then in the administrative, and On the criminal side, the investigation file remains frozen that the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) opened the owner of the Black Jaguar White Tiger for crimes against biodiversity and species trafficking, which are punishable by one to nine years in prison.

At the time, the complaints were presented to the Federal Public Ministry by AZCARM and Profepa itself, which in its case acts as an intervener in the judicial process.

Christopher Estupiñán announced that in the complaint filed by individuals, the file has not even been prosecuted, “an initial hearing has not been requested,” while Blanca Alicia Mendoza acknowledged that Eduardo Serio has not yet been summoned to appear. .

Animals in captivity. (Ernesto Mendez)

Balance

Since the rescue of more than 200 big cats, in July 2022, to date, Eight animals lost their lives due to complications in their health. The last death, that of the lioness Lucky, occurred on February 28 in Tizayuca, Hidalgo.

Ernesto Zazueta, president of the Association of Zoos, Hatcheries and Aquariums of Mexico (AZCARM), commented that the highest number of deaths was recorded when the transfer of the animals was being prepared or days after the relocation, “because they were in very poor condition.” ”.

He highlighted that the rest who managed to survive received a new opportunityin facilities that are located from side to side of the Mexican Republic, from Chiapas to Chihuahua.

There are many big cats that were affected, mutilated, blind, with kidney failure, skin problems,” he indicated.

Ernesto Zazueta pointed out that until now, all expenses have been borne by the AZCARM members, who have invested at least 80 million pesos.

“Food is the largest part of the expense, medicines, chemical containment, veterinarians, at first it was a very large operation of several million pesos, and later, to stabilize them, medical and veterinary studies and even new facilities, which had to be built,” story.

After almost two years, those who have kept lions, tigers, pumas and jaguars all this time, demand from the authorities that there be no impunity, and that they stop Eduardo Serio, self-named “Papa Bear”, who continues to rise to this day to Instagram photographs and videos interacting with big cats, in order to keep his 7.8 million followers captive, as if nothing had happened.

It is a fraud and a mockery for authority and society that Eduardo Serio remains active, after affecting everyone’s right to a healthy environment,” warned AZCARM lawyer Christopher Estupiñán.

The Association of Zoos, Hatcheries and Aquariums of Mexico also requested a stop harassment and bullying by Profepafor demanding justice for the victims of the Black Jaguar White Tiger throughout this time.

Simply for me, as leader of AZCARM, they have sent me more than 10 inspections in these two years, without giving any reason, simply because we raised our voices,” he stated.

President of AZCAR. (Pavel Jurado)

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