Overview
- Prosecutors report that 798 of the 936 animals showed conditions compatible with cruelty, citing severe overcrowding, unsanitary housing, expired medications and pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, leptospira and rotavirus.
- City officials began progressive transfers to the Animal Surveillance Brigade, the Mexico City Veterinary Hospital and a SEDEMA-run shelter in the Ajusco, with critical cases routed to private clinics as needed.
- Authorities said 21 animals had died outside the refuge prior to the seizure and that 57 remain hospitalized following evaluations by forensic veterinarians.
- Roughly 200 security personnel supported the operation, which prosecutors say was executed under a judicial order; no arrests were reported.
- The government emphasized it is not taking sides in the ongoing property dispute between Refugio Franciscano and Fundación Antonio Haghenbeck, as prosecutors continue assembling a case that could lead to charges.