JUSTICE X THE ACONCAGUA MULES ??SERVED

T H I S - J U S T - I N !!! ??? ???

Victory!

Argentinean authorities in the province of Mendoza confiscated +70 mules and 2 animal caretakers were arrested on animal abuse counts in the Aconcagua Park, and in a swift and joint operation between Protected Areas of the Ministry of Energy and Environment and the Public Prosecutor's Office.

These animals were used -and often abused- to to carry heavy loads up the hillfor the tourists seeking to climb the Aconcagua national park/mountain (+6000 meters of altitude), more so now, that high-end accommodation facilities called ‘glamping’ are offered near the top, including gourmet foods and bottles of win. Animal Welfare groups like the Cuyunche Foundation and others have for nearly 20 years objected to the conditions, the welfare and the hardships these animals endure, and more recently, an online initiative of conservation and welfare projects out of Europe called Nature Vanguards? is planning to focus its advocacy efforts to help create an end to this cruelty. After all, many of the tourists paying big bucks for these animals to carry their luggages are European.

The campaign should now aim at making sure that visiting tourists demand less loads and better conditions for the animals, or in an ideal world, use entire new alternatives to the use and abuse of animal traction into the future!

“In total, 300 mules were checked, of which 70 were in a worrying state: they had serious injuries, malnutrition and other conditions that threatened their well-being. “Joint work between all institutions, with park rangers, the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Ministry of Security and the Veterinary College is essential to avoid the mistreatment of animals,” said Minister Jimena Latorre.

Sanctions:

The arrests and the large number of animals confiscated is a clear sign of the severity of the problems, health and welfare problems endured by these animals for a long time.

During the joint inspection, 2 muleteers were detained and both face charges of violating Argentinean Law 22.421 on animal abuse.

"The confiscated animals remain in a corral enabled for veterinary monitoring and recovery. It is expected that investigations will advance to determine responsibilities and apply exemplary sanctions. Meanwhile, operations in Aconcagua Park will continue, since park rangers are notifying any irregularities and Protected Areas formalize the corresponding complaints.”

Congratulations are in order to Minister Jimena Latorre for her decisive action, and to all previously involved for finally setting the record straight in this long-standing concern! ??