Campaign looks to raise funds to tackle animal abuse in the US and across the border

In December of 2024, Mexico became the tenth country worldwide and the first in North America to include animal protection in its constitution. The constitutional reforms signed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum prohibit the mistreatment of animals and require the Mexican government to guarantee their protection, proper treatment, conservation and care. It also empowers the federal government to enact laws regarding animal protection, previously handled solely by state and local governments. 

Despite this, animal rights and protections have taken a backseat for centuries, not just in Mexico but in many other Latin American countries and regions.

A 2024 survey by the Humane Society International revealed that only 32% of Mexico City’s roughly 310,000 dogs and 40% of its 77,000 cats have been sterilized, increasing the chance of unwanted puppies and kittens being abandoned on the streets. Notably, dogs from low-income and rural areas were more likely to be surrendered to local animal control facilities, leading to a euthanasia rate exceeding 90% in 2022.

In Guatemala, the 2024 IUCN Red List featured 143 vulnerable and 67 critically endangered species, highlighting the pressures on wildlife populations. 

In March, El Salvador’s only pet hospital, the Animal Welfare Institute (IBA), closed after thousands of community complaints and graphic images emerged showing dogs in deplorable conditions inside the facility. 

 But animal abuse is not just a problem overseas; in the U.S., approximately 10 million animals suffer from abuse or cruelty each year, with approximately 6.3 million companion animals entering shelters annually. 

These are just some of the numbers behind daily animal abuse and neglect. 

With the goal of creating meaningful change when it comes to animal welfare across borders and connecting local action to global impact, one group is launching a campaign beginning next month. 

In December, the Animal Alliance is launching their Just One Campaign, which encourages businesses, nonprofits and individuals to dedicate 1% of their profits, revenue or time to global animal welfare programs and initiatives. 

The idea behind this campaign is that by contributing 1% of profits or time, participants will directly support life-saving animal welfare initiatives across the U.S. and Latin America, including emergency rescue operations, sterilization clinics, veterinary care, equine rehabilitation and humane education programs. 

The Animal Alliance is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, dedicated to improving the lives of animals through rescue partnerships, international outreach and sustainable welfare programs. The Animal Alliance will allocate the funds raised through the campaign for rescue partners and grassroots groups in Mexico, El Salvador and Nicaragua to support spay and neuter services and equine care programs.

According to the alliance, with $10 from donors, the rescue partners will be able to provide basic medical care, such as vaccines, for animals in need. In addition, a $50 donation can fund a full sterilization surgery, preventing hundreds of future births, and with $100, donors could support an entire week of food and care for rescued cats and dogs.

“A key focus of this campaign is Latin America, where these contributions fund rescue operations, veterinary care and community education programs for animals in need,” the Animal Alliance said in a statement. “The campaign highlights how even small commitments from compassionate communities can create meaningful change across borders.” 

To learn more about the campaign and the organization, visit https://theanimalalliance.org/.