The Southern end of Mérida, Yucatán, has become a hotspot for aggressive packs of stray dogs that threaten local wildlife and pose serious risks to humans and other animals.
Each month, approximately 60 of these dogs are euthanized due to incurable diseases or high levels of aggression, according to Raúl Escalante Aguilar, Director of the Environment and Animal Protection Unit of the Mérida City Council.
Escalante Aguilar explained that efforts to address this growing issue are focused on the southern part of the city, specifically near the Cuxtal Reserve. Here, packs of stray dogs have been documented preying on wildlife, including armadillos, badgers, and snakes. Alarmingly, some of the animals also suffer from highly contagious diseases that endanger other creatures and humans. This necessitates their capture and, regrettably, their euthanasia.
The director noted that the situation is particularly severe in areas such as the Xmatkuil police station and the San Ignacio Tesip substation, where packs of up to 60 stray dogs have been identified in forested areas. To tackle this, the authorities have employed mapping technology and the use of large cages, resembling “giant mousetraps,” to capture the animals.
“Although these dogs may appear healthy, they often carry diseases contagious to both humans and animals,” Escalante Aguilar stated. “We also test them for aggression, and unfortunately, dogs deemed unsuitable for adoption or rehabilitation must be euthanized.” A specialized Internal Committee reviews each case to determine the fate of these animals, based on their health and behavior.
In comparison, other cities like Querétaro and Aguascalientes face similar challenges, where around 4,000 stray dogs are euthanized annually. Escalante Aguilar emphasized the complexity of the issue, describing it as a significant responsibility of the City Council. “These are very sick animals, often traumatized, with behaviors that cannot be rehabilitated. If left unchecked, they could harm people.”
One specific concern involves transmissible venereal tumors (TVT), a highly contagious form of cancer prevalent among stray dog populations, which worsens the public health risk.
To mitigate the problem in the long term, Escalante Aguilar encouraged the adoption of rescued dogs as a preventative measure. He cautioned against abandonment, noting that stray dogs left unchecked may form new packs, exacerbating the issue. “The challenge is to adopt the dogs we rescue. If we fail, they return to the wild, and the cycle starts all over again.”
The post Southern Mérida: a hotspot for aggressive packs of stray dogs first appeared on The Yucatan Times.