“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Outrage and demands for justice were sparked by the dissemination on social networks of a video showing Juan Zarate Paez, former candidate for mayor of Santa Isabel Tetlatlahuca, Tlaxcala, and his brother, Joel, killing a stray dog with shots fired at close range.
In the video, which was originally a live transmission of Joel Zarate, it can be seen that he points a revolver-type pistol at the dog and shoots it seven times. Even though he tries to run away after the first shot, the dog ends up falling dead to the ground.
The response from the former mayoral candidate was to point out that Joel killed the dog because it had previously bitten him in the face. In another video, the two brothers are shown on board a vehicle with Joel showing bleeding wounds on his face.
However, users on social media denied this version, pointing out that the dog doesn’t show an aggressive attitude at any time. On the contrary, it can be seen how the dog’s ears move back and tail wags when the two men approach him with the clear intention of shooting him.
Juan Zárate Páez competed for the presidency of Tetlatlahuca in 2020, while some citizens speculated that he could run again in the next elections.
The Toby Foundation, dedicated to the rescue and adoption of abandoned animals, has filed a complaint against those responsible for the dog’s murder. In Tlaxcala, animal abuse is punishable with sentences ranging from 6 months to 5 years in prison for the dog’s murder. In Tlaxcala, animal abuse is punishable with sentences ranging from 6 months to 5 years in prison.
