The Yucatán animal rights movement is facing a significant challenge, with various organized groups and independent rescuers engaging in a heated debate over donations. The controversy centers around allegations of improper use of funds, inadequate animal care, and the exploitation of vulnerable animals, particularly female dogs.

• Organized groups and independent rescuers have emerged as a result of a “boom” in the animal rights culture, which has led to the establishment of laws and criminal penalties against animal cruelty.
• However, the movement has also been criticized for its commercialization, with many individuals prioritizing donations over animal welfare.
• Accusations have been made that some groups and individuals are using donations to fund their own interests, rather than prioritizing the care and well-being of the animals.

The president of the Perpopolis Orientation Center, Lourdes Durán Leal, has highlighted the issue, stating that the movement’s commercialization has led to a lack of transparency and accountability. In an interview, she explained that many individuals and groups are using donations to fund their own interests, rather than prioritizing animal welfare.

“The main business is donations, which have attracted many people who, without the knowledge, ability, or adequate space to dedicate themselves to rescuing these animals, do it for the money they receive, which can be a significant amount, especially in cases that go viral on social media,”

She emphasized that this has resulted in harm to many animals, particularly female dogs, who are being spayed using inappropriate and cheap methods, often without anesthesia.

1. According to Durán Leal, pregnant dogs should not be spayed without proper anesthesia and should only be spayed using general inhaled anesthesia.
2. She noted that the procedure requires a minimum cost of 1,500 pesos, but many individuals are seeking out veterinarians who lack ethics and perform the procedure without anesthesia for 300 pesos, saving 1,200 pesos.
3. The dog’s life is often at risk as a result of this, emphasizing the need for proper sterilization procedures.

Durán Leal also highlighted the importance of proper sterilization procedures, stating that carrying out these campaigns in Mérida requires a procedure and request for permits from the Yucatán Ministry of Health. She noted that some individuals are avoiding these procedures by relying on veterinarians from neighboring municipalities, such as Kanasín.

Elsa Arceo, coordinator of Independent Animal Rescuers of Yucatán, acknowledged that many individuals and groups lack the necessary training to properly care for animals, and is calling for state and municipal authorities to conduct a census to determine the status of this sector.

“We are asking the authorities to regularize and determine how many people are dedicated to being independent rescuers, so that everything is more transparent and that the donations and aid given by people truly reach the animals they rescue,”

Arceo also highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the animal rescue sector, stating that a census would help to identify those who are genuinely dedicated to animal welfare, rather than those who are using donations for personal gain. The “Healthy Rescuer’s Manual” has been designed by Durán Leal to provide guidelines for proper animal rescue and sterilization procedures. The manual has been submitted to the Mérida City Council and the State Congress for analysis and consideration.

In addition to the commercialization of the animal rights movement, there are also concerns about the condition of shelters and the treatment of animals within them. Some shelters are in poor condition, and the animals are often subjected to mistreatment and neglect. “Of course, they do it to receive donations and support, as they’ve seen that many people do contribute to animal welfare causes, especially many foreign residents, but they don’t have the necessary conditions or the right location and they only do it as a business, and this has begun to provoke a confrontation between well-established civil associations and independents,”
Durán Leal emphasized that the situation is not just a matter of poor animal care, but also a concern for the legitimacy and effectiveness of the animal rights movement as a whole. In conclusion, the Yucatán animal rights movement is facing significant challenges, including the commercialization of donations, poor animal care, and the exploitation of vulnerable animals. It is essential that the movement prioritizes transparency and accountability, and that individuals and groups are held to the highest standards of animal welfare. By doing so, we can ensure that the donations and aid received by the movement truly reach the animals they are meant to help.