YARMOUTHPORT, Mass., Feb. 17 /U.S. Newswire/ --

IFAW achieved another victory for animals in Mexico

IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) achieved another victory for animals in Mexico. A branch of the federal government announced administrative actions against former high-level officials, who authorized the illegal importation of 28 dolphins from the Solomon Islands.

Last July, the dolphins were placed in a private amusement park in the Southern state of Quintana Roo. Shortly after, IFAW launched a thorough investigation, which proved that the operation constituted a gross violation of several national and international laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, (CITES). These violations occurred under the watch of former Deputy Environment Minister, Raul Arriaga. The office also granted illegal permits authorizing the slaughter of more than 2.5 million wild animals in different states of Mexico over the last two years.

In November, IFAW presented the results of its investigation to the authorities, demanding a formal inquiry and charges be brought against those responsible for the importation of the dolphins. The Ministry of Public Office (the equivalent to a federal comptroller in Mexico) admitted that both the dolphin importation and permits were illegal, announcing actions against Raul Arriaga, and 27 other current and former officials in the Ministry of the Environment.

"This is an important step in the much-needed battle against impunity," said Bettina Bugeda, director of IFAW Latin America. "It shows the potential of the productive partnership that can be established between civil society and the authorities."

While welcoming the actions of the Ministry of Public Office, Bugeda added that the Mexican Government still has much to do in both cases. Authorities still need to file charges with the Attorney General, investigate what happened with the money made in illegal hunting permits, and revoke these permits and those issued to import the dolphins. "And perhaps more importantly," said Bugeda, "the dolphins have to be rescued from the illegal commercial exploitation they are suffering."