Castaños animal shelter raid leads to detention and drug seizure

A caregiver for the Fundación Frichem animal shelter, identified as José Manuel “N”, has been placed under preventive detention in Castaños, Coahuila. Authorities conducted a search of the facility in the Libertad neighborhood, where they discovered between 53 and 63 dogs suffering from severe malnutrition, mange, dehydration, and open wounds. One dog died shortly after the rescue due to its injuries.

During the raid, investigators also seized over 11 kilograms of marijuana and methamphetamine residues. The legal proceedings against José Manuel “N” are scheduled to continue on August 19. While activists are calling for a full investigation into the shelter's leadership, Fundación Frichem has issued a statement denying allegations of kidnapping and extortion. The organization maintains it is willing to face justice and argues that some animals arrive at the facility in poor health because they were rescued from precarious conditions.