Following the circulation of a video showing Ocotlán councilor Silvia Iliana Villaruel Gutiérrez carrying a baby spider monkey during an official event, the Federal Prosecutor for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has filed a criminal complaint with the Attorney General's Office (FGR) for illegal possession of the animal. This action stems from allegations that she violated Article 420 of the Federal Penal Code, which sanctions the capture, possession, transport, or illegal trade of endangered species that are protected under international treaties.

Spider monkeys, including the species Ateles geoffroyi, are classified as endangered and receive special protection under Mexican law, specifically the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 regulation. The Profepa’s move not only emphasizes the legal repercussions of wildlife endangerment but also reflects on the growing concerns regarding the treatment and protection of such vulnerable species in Mexico. The inspection team from Profepa visited the Ocotlán municipal presidency on February 10 to gather evidence regarding the incident.

This case brings to light the delicate balance between human activities and wildlife conservation, especially in areas where local governance may sometimes overlook environmental laws for the sake of publicity or tradition. It raises important questions about accountability and the responsibility of public officials in setting an example for the community, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws in the face of illegal practices in the region.