Region: Mexico

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico—Humane Society International/Mexico, in partnership with the Centro de Ciencias Agropecuarias at the Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes (UAA), recently completed a pioneering spay/neuter training program for 14 government veterinarians in Aguascalientes. This hands-on program, the first of its kind in Mexico, was designed to equip veterinary professionals with the advanced surgical skills needed for high-volume sterilization campaigns across the state.

As part of a pilot program under the train-the-trainer model, three UAA veterinarians received training at HSI’s top-tier veterinary training center in La Paz, Bolivia. After an intensive three-week course, they gained the skills necessary to become trainers themselves. The trainees, who are part of government agencies already conducting large-scale spay/neuter campaigns, included 10 veterinarians from the ISSEA (Aguascalientes Health Department), two from the city’s Canine Control Center, and two from PROESPA (the Aguascalientes Environmental Agency). This initiative aims to enhance surgical skills and provide additional tools for local veterinary teams to perform humane and efficient spay/neuter surgeries.

Bárbara Morales, companion animals and engagement manager at HSI Mexico and program leader in Aguascalientes, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “This training marks a major step forward in our efforts to control companion animal populations in Aguascalientes. By building local capacity in high-quality, high-volume sterilization procedures, we are making a lasting impact on animal welfare and public health.”

The course blended theory and practice, incorporating international best practices to ensure trainees gained the skills needed for safe and effective sterilization campaigns. In late November, the UAA-trained veterinarians participated in feedback sessions led by the Bolivian trainers who initially trained them.

The Bolivian team’s feedback provided valuable insights to help improve the program for future trainings. This collaboration exemplifies the ongoing partnership between Latin American countries facing similar companion animal welfare challenges.

Dr. Claudia Edwards, program director at HSI Mexico, emphasized the long-term benefits: “Spay/neuter surgeries are crucial for reducing the overpopulation of dogs and cats and preventing the suffering of stray animals. This training improves animal health and welfare, strengthens the human-animal bond, reduces the burden on shelters, and helps lower the number of animals surrendered to the Canine Control Center.”

HSI’s Latin America Veterinary Training Program, launched in 2014, has trained over 300 veterinarians across the region, focusing on humane, high-volume, low-cost sterilization techniques. The program’s mission is to enhance the human-animal bond by providing veterinarians and veterinary technicians with the skills needed to perform safe and effective spay/neuter surgeries, thereby reducing the population of unwanted animals and contributing to healthier communities.

ENDS

Media contact: Magaly Garibay: (+52 55) 5211 8731; mgaribay@idee.agencia

Update (11/26/24): 17 State Congresses have approved this historic amendment, which means the bill has passed, since it had already been approved by the Senate and Chamber of Deputies.

MEXICO CITY—Humane Society International/Mexico celebrates a landmark victory for animal protection in Mexico as the Chamber of Deputies officially approved a constitutional reform on animal welfare. This historic reform would, for the first time, enshrine animal welfare in Mexico’s Constitution, strengthening the nation’s commitment to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect.

The constitutional amendment introduces significant changes to articles 3, 4 and 73, formally enshrining animal protection and empowering Congress to legislate on animal welfare. The reform also establishes humane education as a mandatory guideline in all educational institutions nationwide. By granting animal protection the highest importance in Mexico’s legal framework, the reform safeguards the legal protection granted to animals from being easily undone by future legislation. As the Constitution defines a nation’s most important values and ideals, this constitutional reform serves as a strong symbol of a growing societal shift towards empathetic and caring attitudes with regards to animals, positioning Mexico as a leader in animal welfare legislation.

Anton Aguilar, executive director at HSI/Mexico, stated: “This is a historic moment for animal protection in Mexico that sets a powerful precedent for future generations. With this constitutional reform, the government has taken a significant step toward ensuring that the protection and welfare of animals become a priority in public policy. This landmark constitutional reform has the power to transform the lives of millions of animals—from street dogs and cats enduring cruelty, disease and neglect, to the billions of farmed animals exploited for food, and the countless wildlife threatened by illegal trade. On behalf of these animals, we are grateful to the Chamber of Deputies and the countless advocates who have fought for this reform, and we look forward to seeing this bill passed in the Senate shortly.”

HSI/Mexico has advocated for this reform, together with civil society organizations including Igualdad Animal and Movimiento Conciencia, by reaching out to legislators and mobilizing public support through online petitions in English and Spanish that gathered tens of thousands of signatures. The new President of Mexico, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum, announced on her first day in office that she would prioritize passing this bill as one of the 100 top commitments of her administration. Today this promise is much closer to being fulfilled, pending approval by the Senate and two-thirds of the State legislatures, as required for constitutional amendments. HSI/Mexico will continue working alongside the government to ensure these new protections are effectively adopted, implemented and enforced.

ENDS

Media contact: Magaly Garibay: +52 5538762199; mgaribay@idee.agency

OAXACA, Mexico—Today, the state of Oaxaca passed its first animal protection bill. The new law recognizes animals as sentient beings, sets provisions to prevent and ban animal cruelty and abuse in its various forms, establishes responsible pet ownership as an educational guideline in public schools and mandates spay-neuter campaigns for companion animals across the state.

For several years now, HSI/Mexico has provided advice during the legislative process to improve the bill’s language, joined academic and regulatory discussions hosted by Oaxaca’s Autonomous University and the state’s Veterinary Association, and helped facilitate dialogue with interested parties. HSI will continue to assist authorities with implementation of the bill through trainings and conferences.

Dr. Claudia Edwards, program director for HSI/Mexico, said: “It is inspiring to see that, with political will, open dialogue between all interest holders, and the technical guidance of veterinarians, Oaxaca now has a law that not only protects animals but also safeguards their welfare and recognizes them as sentient beings. Congratulations to this legislature—and in particular Congresswoman Melina Hernández—for making this significant step toward a more compassionate and humane society.”

ENDS

Media contact: Magaly Garibay: (+52 55) 5211 8731; mgaribay@idee.agencia

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico—Humane Society International/Mexico, in collaboration with state and municipal partners, is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking pilot program to improve the welfare of companion animals in rural and low-income households in Aguascalientes. This initiative is based on critical needs that were identified in a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind dog population survey in Mexico.

The survey revealed that only 32% of the city’s roughly 310,000 dogs and 40% of its 77,000 cats have been sterilized, raising the chances of unwanted puppies and kittens being abandoned on the streets. Notably, dogs from low-income and rural areas were more likely to be surrendered to local animal control facilities, leading to a euthanasia rate exceeding 90% in 2022.

HSI/Mexico’s program addresses these issues through three main components: a mobile clinic for preventive services, training veterinarians for free sterilization campaigns and an educational initiative to train teachers on responsible companion animal care.

Mobile Vet Clinic

HSI/Mexico has deployed a mobile clinic offering free preventive medicine, including vaccinations, deworming and general veterinary check-ups. The clinic has already served over 200 animals in its early stages. During their companion animals’ treatment visits, families can participate in humane education discussions and children receive coloring books on proper companion animal care. The goal is to keep companion animals healthy and reduce abandonment due to untreated illnesses. Bárbara Morales, program manager of companion animals and engagement for Humane Society International said: “Helping families stay together with their animals and enjoy a healthier and happier life is something that fills your heart with a deep satisfaction. This program allows us to do so, and I am very grateful for that.”

Sterilization Campaigns

Recognizing the urgent need for increased sterilization efforts, HSI/Mexico will collaborate with government institutions to enhance existing spay and neuter campaigns. The program will provide specialized training for veterinarians in high-volume sterilization, pain management and best surgical practices. This initiative aims to decrease the number of free-roaming animals and increase the capacity to care for companion animals across the state.

Humane Education Campaign

The survey also highlighted a widespread lack of knowledge about animal welfare and responsible companion animal care. Hence, HSI/Mexico launched an educational campaign comprising of the following elements:

• Teaching the Teachers: HSI trains elementary school teachers on animal behavior and welfare, providing them with the “Nose to Tail” curriculum developed in the U.S. This curriculum helps children learn about the responsibilities of companion animal ownership and proper animal care.
• Direct Advising: At each mobile clinic, HSI offers group or individual consultations with companion animal owners, educating them on the five domains of animal welfare to ensure that their companion animals enjoy fulfilling lives.
• Media Campaign: HSI will initiate a media campaign to promote responsible companion animals’ ownership. It will include traditional media appearances, social media posts and printed materials like banners and stickers, aiming to embed responsible companion animals’ care into the public consciousness.

HSI/Mexico works hand in hand with key stakeholders, including government agencies such as IEA (Instituto de Educación de Aguascalientes―Aguascalientes’ education institute), PROESPA (Procuraduría Estatal de Protección al Ambiente―Aguascalientes’ environmental agency) and Municipal officials, among others.

By addressing specific needs identified in the survey, HSI/Mexico seeks to create a model that can be replicated in other regions of the country. This initiative underscores HSI/Mexico’s dedication to enhancing the lives of companion animals and supporting the communities that care for them, helping families to stay together.

ENDS

Media contact: Magaly Garibay: (+52 55) 5211 8731; mgaribay@idee.agencia