By Arlene Prunkl

There is a blemish on the Oaxacan coast, a dark side that often goes unnoticed. While articles highlight the state’s gorgeous beaches, sunshine, and vibrant culture, they rarely mention the region’s massive dog overpopulation problem and the human cruelty toward these animals. Of an estimated 62.7 million dogs in Mexico, nearly one-third—18.8 million—are strays, wandering the streets, abandoned, abused, and often starving. Tragically, some of these dogs are poisoned or shot, and others face even more unimaginable cruelty, such as being buried alive.

Pirate’s Story
We first wrote about Claudia Mamet in The Eye in November 2023, where we highlighted her dedication to rescuing abused, abandoned, and injured dogs in the Puerto Angel area. In addition to her role teaching at UMAR, Claudia operates the nonprofit Dogs of Puerto Angel, where she works tirelessly to save some of the most severe cases of animal cruelty. In early September, Claudia received a call from a local citizen who had filmed a dog that had been buried alive, a video so graphic it was difficult for many to watch.

When Claudia arrived at the site near San Pedro Pochutla, she found the dog—whom she named Pirate—barely alive, buried under heavy rocks and dirt with his paws and muzzle bound. He was emaciated, his body covered in ticks, with shredded paw pads and a large cancerous tumor on his penis. Pirate was too weak to stand on his own, but Claudia was determined to help. She rushed him to the vet, where he was put on IV and treated for the hundreds of ticks that had infested his body. A foster home was needed, and Marlene Beattie, known for her rescue work in Huatulco, generously offered her home.

Pirate spent six weeks in recovery, during which he gained the strength for surgery to remove the tumor, performed on October 30. Unfortunately, despite his progress, Pirate succumbed to renal failure just one week after his surgery. Claudia poignantly shared on social media: “Pirate could’ve left this world on September 10 never knowing love or compassion. But by some miracle, someone heard his whimpers and freed him, giving him a chance to feel love for the first time in his life.”

A Widespread Issue
Pirate’s case is just one of many. Journalist Patricia Pacheco covered Pirate’s story, reporting that animal cruelty is alarmingly common on the coast. She interviewed Claudia, who said, “Animals are beaten, deprived of food and water, tied up without shade, and poisoned. All these acts are crimes punishable in Oaxaca. We urge citizens to report them and authorities to enforce existing laws.”

The Path to Change
Tackling this crisis requires a three-pronged approach: education and awareness, law enforcement, and sterilization.
1. Education and Awareness
Raising awareness is crucial to fostering a cultural shift in how domestic animals are treated. Education programs targeting locals, long-term residents, children, and tourists can help promote respect for animals. Communities must recognize that abandoning or mistreating animals has broader consequences. Through awareness, citizens can demand stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws and become active in rescue efforts.
2. Law Enforcement
While laws exist against animal cruelty in Oaxaca, enforcement is severely lacking. Harsher penalties and stricter oversight are essential. Current laws are often ignored, allowing abuse to continue unchecked. Activists, rescue organizations, and concerned citizens must pressure officials to prioritize animal welfare enforcement.
3. Sterilization
Sterilization is one of the most effective ways to address overpopulation. Nonprofits like Snipsisters and Palmas Unidas organize regular sterilization campaigns, often operating with limited resources. Since 2019, Snipsisters has sterilized over 8,000 dogs and cats in Puerto Escondido and surrounding communities. Palmas Unidas has sterilized 7,242 animals over nine years, while Dogs of Puerto Angel sterilizes approximately 1,000 animals annually.
Fundraising is critical to these efforts, as donations cover veterinary costs, medications, and supplies. Yet the demand for sterilizations far exceeds the resources available.

The Bigger Picture
Mexico ranks third globally—and first in Latin America—in animal abuse, according to INEGI (Mexico’s Institute of National Statistics and Geography). The issue is as severe on the Oaxacan coast as it is elsewhere in the country. Hiding the problem from tourists will only worsen it; addressing it requires systemic change.
Fortunately, long-term residents, locals, and organizations are stepping up. Many tirelessly work to rescue animals, educate communities, and advocate for stronger laws. These efforts offer hope, but more support is needed.