Oso and Blanquis have been spared after their keeper gave them up.Photo: Social media
Oso and Blanquis, two pit bulls at the center of one of Mérida’s most-followed animal cases this year, will not be put down. The city says it will look for a new home for them instead.
Their owner, identified in reports only as Don Jacinto, signed over his rights to the dogs over the weekend at the city’s Animal Protection Unit. Both are now at the Municipal Animal Care Center, known as CEMAA.
The Mérida city government said he gave up the dogs because of serious health problems in his family, including a brother who is gravely ill. The city also described the handover as a preventive step, following suspicion that the dogs had been involved in a new attack.
Vets from the Municipal Veterinary Clinic have examined both animals. The city said CEMAA has ruled out euthanasia and will try to place them with a responsible owner who can meet their needs.
Mérida’s family services agency, known as DIF, will step in to support Jacinto’s family.
A case that drew wide attention
The dogs first made headlines on Aug. 27, when they escaped from a property in the Bojórquez neighborhood and attacked a 64-year-old woman with a disability. She suffered serious injuries to her face, arms, and legs.
The city took both dogs into custody. Their case became a flashpoint between neighbors worried about safety and animal advocates who opposed putting the dogs down. A legal challenge filed by an advocacy group from Mexico City delayed their release in September.
On Oct. 9, after a hearing before a civic judge, officials allowed the dogs to go home. Jacinto had met safety conditions, including changes to his property. Vets had also found that the long stay in custody was starting to hurt the dogs’ emotional well-being.
Raúl Escalante Aguilar, director of the city’s Environment and Animal Welfare Unit, said at the time that officials would keep watching the case to protect both the dogs and the neighbors.
Less than two weeks later, on Friday, Oct. 23, the dogs allegedly got out again, alarming neighbors. Animal Protection Unit staff took them back to the city facility. Unconfirmed reports said a neighbor injured one of the dogs with a blade. The unit has not confirmed that account.
What happens next
The city has not said when the dogs will be available for adoption or what conditions a new owner would need to meet.
In general, people who want to adopt from CEMAA fill out an application, and staff evaluate it and reply within 72 hours. Approved adopters then return to the center to pick up the animal.
Dog bites are a regular concern in Yucatán, where health data have shown more than 100 cases a week statewide. Mérida updated its animal welfare regulations this summer, adding rules on sterilization, adoption, and a municipal pet registry.
The city has also leaned on events to promote adoption. Sunday’s Mucbipollo Fair in San Sebastián included a dog runway with adoption activities.
Fast Facts
- Who: Oso and Blanquis, 2 pit bulls from Mérida’s Bojórquez neighborhood
- Original incident: Aug. 27 attack on a 64-year-old woman
- Returned home: Oct. 9, after a civic judge’s hearing
- Back in custody: Oct. 23, after an alleged escape
- Now: Signed over to the city; held at CEMAA
- Outcome: Euthanasia ruled out; city will seek a responsible new home
- To report animal abuse in Mérida: Call Ayuntatel at 070 or 999-924-4000
Sources: Por Esto, Ayuntamiento de Mérida, Hazruido, Líneas Emergentes, Con Acento, Infolliteras, Posta Yucatán, Diario de Yucatán
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