Tijuana authorities recovered four puppies being sold in illegal and unsafe conditions during two operations near the San Ysidro Port of Entry and at a local street market.
José Antonio Olivas Heredia, who oversees the city’s Inspection and Verification Department, said the actions reflect Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz’s push to strengthen animal-welfare enforcement.
Authorities launched the crackdown after social media posts showed people attempting to sell puppies to drivers waiting to cross into the United States. In one operation near the port of entry, inspectors found a man offering two puppies between traffic lanes. As officers approached, he fled and left the animals on the roadway, but inspectors quickly secured them.
In a separate incident at a street market, inspectors found a homeless individual keeping two puppies in a cardboard box in what officials described as severely neglectful conditions. The animals were infested with ticks and showed signs of prolonged mistreatment. Inspectors removed the puppies and issued sanctions.
All four animals were taken to a temporary shelter for veterinary care and will remain there until they can be placed for adoption.
City officials say roughly 54 animals of various species have been rescued since the current administration took office. Residents can report suspected abuse or illegal sales through the Inspection and Verification Directorate’s official Facebook page.
