Naomi Sofía Figueroa Álvarez, a Guadalajara City Council official, admitted in a live broadcast that she participated in the sacrifice of a dog as part of a Santeria ritual, with the purpose of “removing enemies from the path.”
During the broadcast on social media, Figueroa explained that the practice corresponds to her participation in the Orisha religion, or Santeria. “I had to make a huge sacrifice… they cut a dog. It was so they would remove my enemies from my path. They will all fall,” she stated.
Employment Information
According to information published by Grupo Reforma, Figueroa Álvarez is registered as a specialized collaborator in the Directorate of Beehives and Community Care Centers, an area under the General Coordination of Community Construction. According to the same publishing group, she was hired on March 18, 2025, and receives a gross monthly salary of 18,400 pesos, including food and transportation support.
Family Background
Naomi Figueroa is the daughter of Susana Priscila Álvarez Hernández, former director of the Municipal Institute for Youth Care (IMAJ), who was sanctioned in 2019 for traveling without authorization. She has also been implicated in alleged embezzlement. She currently works for the state government, earning a salary exceeding 50,000 pesos a month, according to Grupo Reforma.
Reactions and Legal Framework
On social media, animal rights groups are demanding that the Guadalajara City Council conduct a formal investigation and immediately dismiss the official.
The Jalisco State Penal Code establishes penalties of six months to three years in prison and fines ranging from 200 to 1,000 times the daily value of the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA) for anyone who causes the death or serious injury of an animal.
For its part, Article 17 of the Jalisco State Animal Protection and Care Law prohibits causing the death of animals without just cause. Furthermore, Article 25, Section XII establishes that it is prohibited to “use animals to celebrate rites or traditions that affect their well-being,” with no exceptions for religious reasons.
Institutional Contradiction
The Directorate of Beehives and Community Care Centers, where Figueroa works, aims to promote coexistence, respect, and social well-being in the communities of Guadalajara. The official’s public confession contrasts with the institutional principles of her department.
As of this writing, the municipal government headed by Verónica Delgadillo had not issued an official position on the case.
Source: proceso
