Cold Front Puts 90,000 Stray Dogs and Cats at Risk in Quintana Roo

Chetumal, Mexico — Animal welfare activists are warning that a recent cold front could lead to mass deaths among the estimated 90,000 stray dogs and cats in Quintana Roo, with officials cautioning that pet owners who fail to protect their animals could face animal cruelty charges.

Rafael Rivero Aburto, president of the Toda Vida association, said stray animals already facing health issues are particularly vulnerable as temperatures drop. “If they already have other diseases, as is common among them, this affects and worsens their condition,” Rivero said. “They’re at risk of throat infections, flu, or cough.”

He reported that activists have already identified 100 affected animals in Chetumal alone through digital platforms.

According to Mexico’s National Water Commission (Conagua), Cold Front 32 has brought unprecedented low temperatures to the region. Felipe Carrillo Puerto recorded 4.2 degrees Celsius (39.6°F), while Chetumal has seen temperatures around 9 degrees Celsius (48.2°F).

The cold weather has also increased human illnesses in the state, with spikes in influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus cases.

Rivero urged pet owners to protect their animals from the current conditions, warning that failure to do so could constitute animal cruelty under Article 5 of Mexico’s Animal Protection and Welfare Law. Owners who don’t provide adequate care could face legal consequences for not ensuring their animals’ wellbeing.

Unprotected pets risk developing:

• Hypothermia
• Respiratory illnesses including pneumonia, bronchitis, and infectious cough
• Worsening of pre-existing conditions
• Frostbite in extremities, particularly ears, tails, and paws

These conditions can lead to collapse, coma, and death, with stray animals facing the greatest risk since they receive no care.

Rivero emphasized that puppies, elderly animals, sick or injured animals, and small or short-haired breeds are especially vulnerable because they have limited ability to regulate body temperature.

The activist reiterated concerns about potential mass deaths among street animals, noting that specimens already dealing with health conditions face aggravated risks when cold-related illnesses develop.