Cancún Animal Center Reopens After Major Renovation

Cancún, Mexico — The Cancún Animal Welfare Center will reopen to the public during the course of next week, following the near-complete conclusion of remodeling and internal restructuring work, announced Fernando Haro Salinas, director of Ecology.

The official clarified that, despite the remodeling work, the department never ceased operations.

During this period, he said, they continued to handle animal abuse complaints, as well as sterilization and vaccination campaigns, some of them in coordination with PETA, which is why he rejected claims that activities had been paralyzed.

As part of the reopening, he explained that a comprehensive restructuring of operations and protocols was carried out, with the aim of avoiding health contingencies. Among the implemented actions are the enabling of a new consultation room, the complete replacement of cages for animals in custody, the renewal of deteriorated furniture, maintenance of ovens, as well as the acquisition of medications and veterinary supplies.

Haro Salinas acknowledged that animal abandonment is a problem that exceeds institutional capacity.

According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), in Mexico there are between 23 and 24 million dogs, of which approximately 70 percent are in street situations, representing more than 17 million nationwide.

In the case of Cancún, an estimated population of between 150,000 and 200,000 dogs are in street situations, while the Animal Welfare Center has a shelter capacity for approximately 55 animals, making it unfeasible to directly address all citizen reports.

Given this scenario, he indicated that coordinated work with foundations, independent rescuers, associations, and shelters is being reinforced, considering that the problem must be addressed jointly by society, citizens, and government.

Regarding the new veterinary hospital that will open soon, he reported that the Social Oversight Committee for the project has already been installed, responsible for monitoring the project.

This committee is composed of citizens, independent rescuers, animal welfare associations and foundations, as well as representatives from the two state veterinary colleges, including the new president of the Veterinary College who took office last month.

Finally, the official announced that this month the cornerstone of the hospital will be laid, formally initiating the construction work.