Dogs Euthanized After Fatal Attack on Óscar Sánchez in Ciudad Juárez
Ciudad Juárez, April 24, 2026 – Municipal authorities in Ciudad Juárez, through the Directorate of Animal Care and Welfare (DABA), have carried out the euthanasia protocol for a pack of dogs that attacked and killed 50-year-old Óscar Sánchez. Sánchez succumbed to his injuries after the attack, which occurred on April 13.
Alma Arredondo Salinas, head of DABA, confirmed that the decision was made in coordination with state health authorities. The dogs underwent a 10-day observation period to assess their physical condition and level of danger.
Aggressive Behavior Confirmed During Observation
According to the medical report from the Animal Welfare Center (CBA), the canines maintained consistently aggressive behavior throughout their confinement.
“The dogs completed the observation period at the CBA facilities, and according to the medical coordination report, their aggressive behavior was permanent,” explained the official.
As part of the sanitary protocol, the brains of the animals were extracted and sent to the State Health Secretariat for analysis.
Ongoing Animal Control Efforts and Public Concern
Arredondo Salinas detailed that, regarding tick-borne diseases, DABA has consistently sent an average of 10 samples per month to the state monitoring program for the past 14 months.
She added that DABA continues to address citizen complaints related to animal abuse, the presence of aggressive dogs, packs, abandonment, and illnesses. So far in the current municipal administration, a total of 5,871 such reports have been attended to.
The incident on the morning of April 13, when a pack of seven dogs attacked Óscar Sánchez in a city neighborhood, resulted in his death and reignited concerns about the presence of stray dogs and the formation of packs in various sectors of Ciudad Juárez.
Community Mourns Óscar Sánchez
Óscar Sánchez, affectionately known as “El Coquitas,” was a beloved member of the community. Social media was filled with tributes, and dozens of people attended his farewell, remembering him fondly. His family, however, reported receiving offensive comments and attacks on social media following the tragedy.
Chihuahua Remains Rabies-Free, but Stray Dog Programs Lacking
Despite the recent incident, Chihuahua has been free of canine rabies for decades, according to the director of Health District II Juárez. However, there are currently no active programs for the removal of stray dogs, a point of concern for many residents and animal activists.
This contrasts with past actions, such as those of a former mayor of Tecámac, who reportedly euthanized 14,000 dogs during her administration, though an investigation noted discrepancies between public figures and official records.
Discrimination Against Mixed-Breed Dogs
An activist from Aprodea, a pioneering animal welfare organization, highlighted that Juárez residents often discriminate against mixed-breed dogs, abandoning them due to a preference for smaller purebreds, citing limited living space and lower food requirements.
The tragic death of Óscar Sánchez underscores the complex challenges of managing stray animal populations, ensuring public safety, and promoting responsible pet ownership in Ciudad Juárez.
