Mexico City, Mexico - For years Mexico City considered animal cruelty a civil offense and citizens were punished with fines. All that has changed now that the Mexican capital has approved prison terms for people convicted of hurting animals.

Recently, lawmakers assembled and agreed that current laws were not doing enough to deter and prevent animal cruelty.

Mexico City's legislative assembly unanimously agreed that anyone who intentionally causes harm or abuses animals in any way can be sentenced with up to two years in prison and pay up to $500 in fines.

If anyone kills an animal they may face a $2,000 fine and up to four years in prison.

The president of the assembly’s law enforcement and justice committee, Antonio Padierna, also said that any animal killed for food must be killed as humanely and with as little pain as possible.

These new laws are not dissimilar to California state laws regarding animal cruelty. These laws can be easily accessed through the Animal Legal Defense Fund website.

In California, a misdemeanor for hurting an animal can lead to one year in prison or a $20,000 fine. A felony charge for animal cruelty can lead to up to three years in prison or a $20,000 fine.

One of the most famous animal cruelty cases in the United States is Michael Vick and his illegal dog fighting ring. He served three years in prison for his crimes. If Vick were a Mexico City resident he never would have faced jail time.

Now anyone who hurts animals in Mexico City will face jail time for their actions.