Free pet sterilization drives in Bogotá and Kanasín draw attention, controversy follows dog death

In Kanasín, Yucatán, the municipal government promoted a low‑cost animal sterilization campaign as a flagship welfare initiative. A family says their dog died after the procedure, prompting questions about the veterinarians involved and the lack of professional credentials listed in the campaign's advertising materials.

Meanwhile, Bogotá's District Institute of Protection and Animal Welfare opened 8,300 free sterilization slots for dogs and cats during June 2026. The program targets households in low socioeconomic strata, street animals and shelters, using mobile units and a fixed clinic to deliver the surgeries.

These parallel municipal efforts illustrate attempts to control pet overpopulation, but the Kanasín incident highlights concerns over transparency and safety in such public health campaigns.