AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico – With the goal of ensuring better care and protection for companion animals in the state, the State Environmental Protection Office, known as PROESPA, in coordination with Humane World for Animals Mexico, formerly called Humane Society International Mexico, hosted a theoretical–practical workshop on veterinary forensics and cases related to animal welfare management.
The training helped participants differentiate between mistreatment and responsible guardianship of companion animals, while strengthening technical and legal capacities to better protect dogs and cats in need.
PROESPA and Humane World for Animals carried out the workshop under an interinstitutional collaboration framework, reinforcing ties between PROESPA, the State Attorney General’s Office, the Municipality of Aguascalientes Health Coordination, the State Health Institute, The State College of Veterinary Physicians of Aguascalientes, the Aguascalientes’s Autonomous University, “Cuahutemoc” private University and local animal protection organizations. Together, they form a key network to advance animal welfare in the region.
During the workshop, 48 participants worked on various simulated cases, such as neglect, dogfighting and animals with severe injuries, among others. No live animals were used in these exercises, instead, instructors used simulators as effective training tools, allowing participants to take the scenarios with great seriousness and develop the technical and ethical skills that this program aims to strengthen.
The workshop was led by Dr. Claudia Edwards, a veterinarian who also completed doctoral studies sciences and has more than two decades of experience in animal welfare and forensic veterinary medicine. She is director of programs at Humane World for Animals Mexico, professor at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, president of the Mexican Society of Ethology and Animal Welfare and treasurer of the Mexican Society of Veterinary Forensics.
The training brought together people working to improve the well-being of animals in Aguascalientes and network to improve animal welfare across the state. Humane World for Animals Mexico is proud to have helped strengthen these bonds, fostering closer collaboration and a shared commitment to protecting companion animals. The program covered essential topics such as protocols of action, preservation of evidence, basic veterinary first aid, and the importance of coordinated work between authorities and civil society. Participants also took part in practical exercises simulating real-life scenarios to apply their knowledge in the field.
“This joint effort is a hopeful step for Aguascalientes—toward a more humane and coordinated response for companion animals, where each institution embraces its role and responsibilities, and teamwork strengthens the protection of dogs and cats,” said Bárbara Morales, program manager of Companion Animals and Engagement, Humane World for Animals Mexico.
By participating in this workshop, the local institutions in Aguascalientes reaffirmed their commitment to the welfare and protection of companion animals, moving toward a more responsible and compassionate society for all living beings.
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