India (Mumbai)
Maharashtra Announces Three New Stray Dog Shelters For Mumbai
The Maharashtra Government has announced plans to establish three modern shelters for free roaming dogs in Mumbai, with facilities proposed for Malad, Mulund and Mahul. Ministers said the shelters are expected to become operational within six months and form part of a wider strategy to improve capacity for the care and management of the city’s estimated 94,000 free roaming dogs. The announcement follows continued debate in the Legislative Assembly over public safety, animal welfare and implementation of recent Supreme Court directives.
Bahrain
New Measures Introduced To Protect Heritage Sites From Free Roaming Dogs
Bahrain’s Northern Municipal Council has approved a package of new measures aimed at reducing the presence of free roaming dogs at archaeological and historical sites, including the UNESCO-listed Dilmun Burial Mounds. The plans include new signs prohibiting feeding, improved fencing and supervised humane removal of dogs through capture, sterilisation and temporary sheltering. Officials also confirmed that updated legislation on domestic animal ownership, including compulsory microchipping, is being prepared alongside a national awareness campaign.
Colombia (Roldanillo)
Constitutional Court Orders Greater Protection For Street Animals
Colombia’s Constitutional Court has ordered the municipality of Roldanillo to strengthen protection for street animals after finding deficiencies in the local authority’s response to abandoned dogs and cats. The ruling requires the municipality to improve veterinary care, develop longer-term welfare measures and organise regular adoption events, reinforcing the legal responsibilities of local governments towards free roaming animals.
Mexico (State of Mexico)
New Animal Welfare Law Enters Implementation Phase
Authorities in the State of Mexico have begun implementing the state’s new Animal Welfare Law, which will apply across all 125 municipalities. The legislation strengthens responsibilities for local authorities in areas including animal protection, responsible ownership, veterinary care and enforcement, representing one of the country’s most significant recent reforms affecting companion animals.
Brazil (São José do Rio Preto)
Municipal Animal Welfare Service Reports Record Activity
São José do Rio Preto’s Municipal Animal Welfare Service has reported record levels of activity during the first half of 2026, already exceeding the total number of cases handled throughout the whole of 2025. Officials said the increase reflects growing public engagement with responsible ownership programmes, veterinary services and animal welfare initiatives.
Argentina (Victoria)
New Ordinance Recognises Community Dogs
The Municipality of Victoria has approved a new responsible ownership ordinance which formally recognises the role of community dogs within the municipality. The legislation establishes clearer responsibilities for residents and local authorities while introducing additional measures to promote responsible ownership, animal welfare and humane management of free roaming dogs.
End of Bulletin