Mexico City, May 17 – Animal abandonment and mistreatment remain pressing issues in Mexico City. According to data from the Animal Surveillance Brigade (BVA) of the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC), a total of 3,163 animals have been rescued from streets, homes, and Metro stations between 2020 and March 2026. Dogs are consistently the most frequently rescued animals each year.
Canines Lead Animal Rescues in Mexico City
Information obtained by Publimetro through transparency requests indicates that canines are at the forefront of rescue efforts by the BVA, followed by cats, birds, opossums, reptiles, and various species of wild fauna found injured, mistreated, or abandoned.
The BVA reported that the majority of calls concern dogs in situations of abandonment, mistreatment, hit-and-runs, or injuries sustained from fights and harsh street conditions. Many of these animals are transported to veterinary clinics, shelters, or temporary facilities for medical attention before being put up for adoption.
Official Rescue Figures by Year:
- 2020: 392 rescues
- 2021: 600 rescues
- 2022: 509 rescues
- 2023: 385 rescues
- 2024: 553 rescues
- 2025: 578 rescues
- 2026 (up to March 30): 146 rescues
In every year, dogs have been the primary species rescued in the capital. These figures highlight the severe problem of canine overpopulation in Mexico City and across the country.
Mexico City Grapples with Stray Dog Crisis
The situation underscores the significant challenge of stray dogs. The Animal Surveillance Brigade estimates that there are approximately 1.2 million stray dogs in Mexico City alone. Nationally, the numbers are even more alarming.
Mexico holds the unfortunate distinction of having the largest number of stray dogs in Latin America. Various studies and data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) suggest that nearly 70% of dogs in Mexico live on the streets, either born there or abandoned by their owners. Animal protection organizations currently estimate that around 25 million stray dogs roam the country, a phenomenon that has become an integral part of both urban and rural landscapes in Mexico.
Abandoned Dogs Face Violence and Mistreatment
Specialists and animal associations warn that many stray dogs develop fear-based behaviors towards humans due to constant mistreatment. Their most common reaction is to flee or avoid people, likely because they have been beaten, stoned, or otherwise harmed in the past.
Despite often being overlooked amidst other social issues, animal advocates emphasize that the widespread abandonment of dogs constitutes a public health, safety, and animal welfare problem that demands greater governmental attention.
Lack of Sterilization and Adoption Culture Cited
Experts point to several factors contributing to the rise in stray dog populations:
- Lack of sterilization programs
- Pet abandonment
- Misinformation regarding responsible pet ownership
- Veterinary and food expenses
- Changes of residence
- Uncontrolled reproduction
Furthermore, many dogs are unexpectedly introduced into homes only to be abandoned later due to a lack of resources or because they grew larger than anticipated. Currently, 7 out of 10 Mexican households own a pet, and approximately 80% of domestic animal owners have dogs, according to data from the National Population Council (CONAPO). Between 2008 and 2018, the number of domestic dogs in Mexico increased by about 20 percent.
Saturated Shelters and Costly Rescues
Civil associations and animal shelters are struggling with overpopulation due to the continuous abandonment of dogs and cats. Activists note that rescues are becoming increasingly expensive as many animals arrive sick, malnourished, or victims of extreme violence.
According to the Penal Code of Mexico City, individuals who mistreat or injure an animal can face penalties ranging from six months to two years in prison, in addition to fines of 3,000 to 6,000 pesos. Despite these regulations, animal protection organizations believe that more awareness campaigns, mass sterilization efforts, and government support are needed to reduce animal abandonment.
Animal Brigade Maintains Ongoing Rescues
The Animal Surveillance Brigade conducts daily rescue operations across Mexico City’s 16 boroughs, responding to citizen complaints related to mistreatment, abandonment, and wildlife at risk. Authorities and organizations agree that free sterilization, responsible adoption, and education on animal welfare are the primary tools to reduce the number of stray dogs in the capital and nationwide.
Shelters and Rescuers Overwhelmed
Animal protection organizations assert that shelters are completely saturated due to the increase in rescues and low adoption rates. Recent estimates indicate that only 1 in 10 rescued animals finds a permanent home. This crisis has led to severe financial difficulties for civil associations, burdened by veterinary expenses, food, vaccinations, and sterilization costs.
In some municipalities, the situation has sparked controversy over mass euthanasia of stray dogs. In Tecámac, State of Mexico, the culling of over 10,000 dogs between 2019 and 2024 sparked outrage among animal welfare groups.
Source: Animal Surveillance Brigade (BVA) of the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC), Publimetro, National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), National Population Council (CONAPO)
