Pet abandonment surges in Colombia and Mexico, driving stray dog growth

In Colombia, animal‑protection groups report that most dogs now on the streets were abandoned rather than born there. Sterilisation campaigns have reduced the birth of stray litters, but experts say abandonment remains the main cause, urging responsible ownership, micro‑chipping and wider public education.

In Mexico’s Yucatán state, independent rescuers say pet abandonment spikes during vacation periods, leading to larger stray populations and health risks. They cite a lack of responsible‑tenure culture, insufficient sterilisation services and inadequate penalties for owners who discard pets. Both countries stress that sterilisation and stronger community awareness are essential to curb the growing number of street dogs and cats.