Illegal Pet Sales Continue in Cancún Despite Ban

CANCÚN, QUINTANA ROO – Despite being prohibited by law in Quintana Roo, the sale of pets continues to be a common practice in Cancún, especially through social media and in some veterinary establishments. The situation worsens during holiday seasons, such as Christmas, when demand for animals as gifts increases, according to reports from activists and local shelters.

Karim Jacobs, director of the shelter “Rescatando un amigo,” noted that the tendency to buy pets instead of adopting persists, despite the availability of mixed-breed animals that can be excellent companions. Prices on social media can reach up to 50,000 pesos, offering puppies of various breeds, including American Bully and Alaskan breed dogs, which activists say are frequently abandoned.

In Cancún’s shopping malls, the display of puppies of breeds such as Golden Retriever and Chihuahua in captivity has been observed. Store managers argue that the animals are waiting their turn to be bathed and groomed. The activist emphasized the importance of understanding that having a pet is a long-term commitment, not a gift, and that animals are living beings with feelings.

The illegal sale is not limited to social media. In Cancún’s street markets, some people offer puppies presented as purebred (dachshund, Golden Retriever, pitbull), but which are actually mixed-breed or “malixes,” sold at prices ranging from 500 to 1,000 pesos.