Rescued From the Trash in Mexico—Now This Dog Is Treasured
Sun, sand, and … spay/neuter clinics? That’s right—PETA brought a wave of compassion to the underserved neighborhood of Cielo Nuevo in Cancún, Mexico, fixing a total of 655 cats and dogs in just two days at no cost to their guardians. Our team also treated animals for fleas, trimmed nails, provided deworming medicine, and more.
Held in collaboration with local municipal shelter Direccion de Proteccion y Bienstar Animal and Planned Pethood International, this successful spay-a-thon event was our biggest one in Cancún yet. Meet just some of the animals we helped.
From Trash to Treasured: Baja the Chihuahua Got a Second Chance
Tiny and tough, Baja the chihuahua had been at the shelter after he and several other dogs were seized from a neglectful owner. When animal control officials found him, he was emaciated and living in a filthy heap of trash. Once he finally got the care he desperately needed, his spunky spirit started to shine. PETA’s team brought him stateside to find his permanent home and gave him a name as unforgettable and bold as he is.
Dominic Got the Early Bird Special
Dominic’s guardian arrived at midnight before the spay-a-thon to hold his spot in line for a free fix. Just before the event started, Dominic joined his guardian as the first of more than 650 animals to get the surgery.
Homeless Dogs Received Much-Needed Care
Mexico has one of the highest homeless dog populations in Latin America, with an estimated 18 million dogs struggling to survive on the streets. Homeless animals are vulnerable to traffic, attacks by other animals or cruel humans, and deadly diseases. Sterilization is crucial to curbing the global companion animal and overpopulation crisis.
At the Cielo Nuevo clinic, PETA’s team sterilized several homeless dogs who rescuers and compassionate residents brought in.
Why Spaying and Neutering Is Necessary
The companion animal overpopulation and homelessness crisis is worldwide. Spaying and neutering are routine surgeries that prevent countless cats and dogs from being born into a world that can’t support them. Sterilization also helps cats and dogs live longer, healthier lives. Fixed animals are less likely to contract deadly, contagious diseases, such as feline AIDS and feline leukemia, that are spread through bodily fluids.
How You Can Help Dogs and Cats
Free or low-cost spay/neuter clinics help end generation after generation of suffering, as fewer unsterilized dogs and cats mean fewer animals born on the streets—especially in communities that don’t have the resources to support them. You can help support our vital work in Mexico and elsewhere by giving to the Global Compassion Fund today.
