Overview
- The Juzgado 60 Civil executed a pre-dawn operation on Dec. 11 to recover the Cuajimalpa property, removing Refugio Franciscano personnel and delivering the site to Fundación Antonio Haghenbeck y de la Lama.
- The court mandated that all dogs and cats found on the premises remain under the foundation’s custody under Mexico City supervision, with potential sanctions under Article 59 of the local animal-protection law for any neglect.
- The foundation reports on-site care with veterinarians, food distribution and cleaning crews, citing 22 vets, 43 workers and 385 kilograms of feed dispensed in the first daily ration, and says facility rehabilitation and adoption work are underway.
- Refugio Franciscano staff, volunteers and activists have protested and briefly blocked lanes on the Mexico–Toluca road to demand access and independent verification, alleging disrupted routines and at least one escape during the transition.
- The dispute stems from an expired comodato and a 2022 relocation plan the refuge says required a new, fully equipped shelter in Xalatlaco before any transfer, a commitment it argues was not met.