Silvia Iliana Villarruel Gutiérrez, a councilwoman from Ocotlán, Jalisco, has come under fire after being photographed carrying a spider monkey at a public event held at the Casa de la Cultura. The monkey, dressed in a pink sweater and held with a harness and leash, was seen during a presentation where the councilwoman represented the mayor, Deysi Ángel Hernández. The images of her with the endangered primate sparked significant criticism on social media, leading many to accuse her of engaging in acts related to wildlife trafficking, especially given her public stance against animal mistreatment.

Critics were quick to point out the irony in Villarruel's actions, as she has actively promoted responsible pet ownership and the adoption of dogs, all while participating in what they labeled a disregard for wildlife preservation laws. The possession of spider monkeys is prohibited in Mexico under the NOM-059-SEMARNAT regulations, which categorizes them as a species that cannot be owned by individuals. Furthermore, there are no legal permits for private ownership, and no authorized breeding facilities exist for this species in the country.

This incident raises significant questions about the behaviors and responsibilities of public officials, especially those who advocate for animal rights. Villarruel is now facing calls for accountability from her constituents, and this event may have broader implications for her political career and public image, particularly in light of her advocacy against animal cruelty. As the discussion unfolds, it highlights the importance of adhering to wildlife protection laws and the responsibilities that come with holding public office in a deeply interconnected social and environmental ecosystem.