Mexico's Senate just decided animals are not things — 115 votes to 1

Mexico's Senate has approved the country's first general animal-welfare law by 115 votes to 1, legally recognising animals as sentient beings rather than property. The 125-article law creates a national pet registry, mandates responsible guardianship, and regulates breeding, shows and research. Senator Maki Ortiz, who championed the bill, noted that 70% of Mexican pets suffer some form of violence — the highest rate in Latin America. The bill now goes to the Chamber of Deputies.