Refugio Franciscano in Cuajimalpa Raided by Armed Group Tied to Foundation Haghenbeck

In the early hours of July 19‑20, 2026, an armed group forced entry into the Refugio Franciscano animal shelter in Cuajimalpa, Mexico. The assailants accessed the site through an underground tunnel on property belonging to the Fundación Haghenbeck and used hammers, saws and electric cutters to damage at least 16 rehabilitated dog cages, roofs, structures and doors, even attempting to install barbed wire.

The raid endangered the shelter’s 16 rescued dogs and delayed the relocation of about 300 dogs awaiting re‑housing. The shelter accused the group of being sent by the Fundación Haghenbeck, which maintains the land was only a verbal loan. One staff member, identified as Javier, was briefly seized and had a phone and a screen stolen before the intruders fled when police arrived. Local authorities opened an investigation, reviewed surveillance footage and have not reported any arrests.

Both the Mexico City prosecutor’s office and the city’s security secretariat have been notified, and the refuge is pursuing legal action to protect the property and animals.