No, cannibalism is illegal in Puerto Rico under federal and local statutes prohibiting homicide, desecration of human remains, and public health violations. The Código Penal de Puerto Rico (Art. 97) criminalizes acts causing death or bodily harm, while federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1111) classifies murder as a felony. Local health codes (Reglamento de Salud Pública, 2023) further prohibit acts posing public safety risks, with penalties including imprisonment and mandatory psychiatric evaluation.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Puerto Rico
- Homicide Provisions: Art. 97 of the Código Penal imposes 25–99 years for premeditated murder, applicable to acts involving consumption of human flesh. Consent of the victim is irrelevant under Puerto Rican law (Art. 101).
- Desecration of Remains: Law 111-2000 (Ley de Restos Humanos) criminalizes mutilation or consumption of human cadavers, with fines up to $10,000 and 3 years imprisonment. Exceptions exist only for licensed medical or scientific use.
- Public Health Violations: The Departamento de Salud (2026 draft regulations) mandates reporting of suspected cannibalistic acts under infectious disease protocols, citing risks of prion transmission (e.g., Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease). Non-compliance triggers mandatory quarantine and civil penalties.