Mexico City, Mexico - Dogs in Mexico are having a ruff time. They are joining activists in protesting against moves to levy a 16 percent sales tax on pet food - arguing that the rise in cost will lead to an increase in strays.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes joined their owners outside of Mexico's Finance Ministry last week to challenge the tax. Barking in protest, the pooches joined the peeved owners who say the rise in cost will lead to increased malnutrition in pets, as well as cause an escalation in the number abandoned animals.

"When one walks through the streets of the city, you see hundreds of dogs and cats that are in terrible conditions, and this law will mean more of them on the streets. When people cannot afford to feed them, they will abandon them," said dog owner, Atziri Carranza. "We would like to see the government help resolve the problem, rather than exacerbate it."

The government's tax reform plan has opted out of applying sales tax to food but proposed levying a duty on pet fare, arguing it is not for human consumption.

Euromonitor, a London-based market intelligence firm which provides statistical data in over 80 countries, estimates that fourteen million of Mexico's 27 million cats and dogs are homeless. Activists argue Mexico's street animal problem will only get worse with the tax.

"We call on the government, congress members, and the Public Health Ministry, to have a real rescue program, a solution to the problem, not to aggravate it," said animal activist Ireri Carranza.

Mexico's lower house has already approved the reforms and the bill now moves to the senate.