Cancún Animal Welfare Center Receives 20 Daily Abuse Reports After Reopening

Cancún, Mexico — The city’s Animal Welfare Center now receives between 15 and 20 daily reports of animal abuse following its recent reopening after a major internal restructuring, officials announced.

Fernando Haro Salinas, director general of Ecology, said many reports come through social media and the organization’s WhatsApp channel. He noted that the stray animal population remains around 180,000 and emphasized that public awareness about adoption responsibilities is crucial to preventing further increases.

The center fully reopened after completing renovations to its facilities, protocols, and staff. “There were personnel changes—some no longer work for the city government as part of that restructuring,” Haro Salinas confirmed regarding staff reductions.

Facility improvements included general maintenance, replacement of fencing, creation of maternity areas and cat enclosures, and storage spaces for medical supplies. Workers also upgraded cremation ovens, replaced clinic furniture, and are finishing a consultation room for both shelter animals and strays. An employee rest and dining area was also added.

The center closed during the first week of November last year following reports of serious issues including a distemper outbreak, dead pets, and failure to respond to abuse reports. The prolonged closure drew strong criticism from activists, rescuers, and citizens who denounced institutional neglect, lack of transparency in resource management, and abandonment of animals at risk.

Activists and rescuers say the center’s real challenge will be securing sufficient funding, ensuring transparent use of resources, and implementing public policies that prioritize prevention, sterilization, and punishment for abuse.