Silvia Villaruel, a city councilor from Ocotlán, Jalisco, officially requested a leave of absence and announced her resignation due to a public outcry on social media regarding her involvement with an endangered spider monkey. This controversy escalated when a video surfaced of Villaruel appearing in a public event with the baby spider monkey dressed in infant clothing, where she was seen striking the animal to calm it down. Such actions led to heavy criticism and calls for accountability amidst allegations that she may have committed a crime by possessing a protected species.

The incident raised significant legal concerns as the possession of spider monkeys, which are classified as endangered and protected under Mexican law, does not permit private ownership without specific federal permits, which were not obtained by Villaruel. In her defense, she initially claimed on social media that the monkey belonged to her assistant and that it was lent to her for the event; however, she later retracted this statement as criticism intensified online. The backlash highlights the legal and moral implications of wildlife possession and the responsibilities of public officials.

Villaruel, affiliated with the Movimiento Ciudadano party, acknowledged her error, stating that it was necessary for her to step down and ensure clear consequences for missteps in public office. Her resignation serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical behavior among elected officials and may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, addressing both animal rights and the responsibilities of public figures in Mexico.