# Mérida dog custody and welfare dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mrida-dog-custody-and-welfare-dispute
> Updated: 2026-10-24T21:57:53.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The situation involving two dogs, Oso and Blanqui, began when their owner, Jacinto, voluntarily surrendered them to the Municipal Animal Care Center (CEMAA) in Mérida. This surrender followed a family health crisis and a report that the dogs had escaped and had an incident with a neighbor. While legal proceedings regarding the neighbor incident remained open, authorities ruled out euthanasia and sought new homes for the animals.

Subsequently, a Civic Judge ordered the return of the dogs to Jacinto. This decision was based on medical evaluations using the ‘Five Domains Model’ to assess the animals’ mental state, concluding that prolonged sheltering could negatively impact their emotional well-being. Although the return was ordered, an ongoing amparo lawsuit continues through legal channels.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Mérida authorities take custody of dogs Oso and Blanquis

Two dogs, Oso and Blanquis, were voluntarily surrendered to Mérida's CEMAA after their owner cited family health issues as a reason for being unable to provide continued care.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mrida-authorities-take-custody-of-dogs-oso-and-blanquis

### 2026-10-09: Mérida authorities order return of two dogs to owner

Two dogs, Oso and Blanqui, will return to their owner in Mérida after medical experts determined that continued sheltering could harm their emotional well-being.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mrida-authorities-order-return-of-two-dogs-to-owner

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Cite as: Mérida dog custody and welfare dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mrida-dog-custody-and-welfare-dispute