New Director Takes Over Cancún Animal Shelter After Crisis

Cancún, QR — Mayor Ana Paty Peralta has named a new interim director for the city's animal shelter. Peralta announced that veterinarian René Olivares Pérez has been designated as the interim director of Animal Protection and Welfare.

His appointment followed the dismissal of Yamili Góngora, the former head of the department. Góngora was fired due to the mishandling of a sanitary emergency at municipal facilities. Without providing details, the Cancún City Council stated that the incident is in the process of being reported to the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic for legal follow-up.

The city also said it has initiated a complete restructuring of the center.

"Animal welfare is a priority for this government, which is why we have initiated a complete restructuring of the Center, with the support, for the first time, of a foundation specialized in animal rescue with the goal of ensuring transparency, professionalism, and a fundamental change in its operation," Mayor Peralta explained.

The changes were implemented at the Cancún animal shelter after several animal welfare associations and activists denounced a mass killing—the exact figures are unknown—of dogs and cats.

The former director is under investigation for killing dogs and cats without authorization or the possibility of adoption. The animals were allegedly euthanized without veterinary protocols or legal authorization and in total violation of public health and animal welfare standards. There are also accusations that the animals were euthanized without being given the opportunity to be adopted.

Peralta stated that from the first moment she learned of the sanitary emergency at the facilities, she made the immediate decision to remove the now-former director, as well as the staff directly responsible for animal care, from their positions.

She added that the corresponding complaints will also be filed with the competent authorities so that investigations can be carried out and, if necessary, the corresponding sanctions can be imposed in accordance with the law.

"We are building a new era for animal welfare in Cancún based on collaboration, results, and accountability, which is why we will operate with open doors," Peralta stated.

"Only by uniting our will and capabilities will we achieve an Animal Welfare Center that is dignified, transparent, and humane, worthy of the love and respect that the people of Cancún have for their pets," she affirmed.