Neighbors Knew Something Was Wrong
Since 2021, locals near a dog shelter in Ensenada had been complaining. They said something smelled bad—literally and figuratively. They weren’t wrong.
In July 2025, things finally came to a head. A multi-agency raid exposed what may be one of the worst shelter scandals Baja has seen. And yes, it’s exactly as bad as it sounds.
We’ve always backed animal groups. We’ve covered rescue stories and wagged tails across these pages. But when a rescue turns into a rotting kennel of disease and death, it’s time to stop applauding and start reporting.
The Shelter That Hid a Horror
The shelter, Ellos son la Razón (“They Are the Reason”), operated for years without a license, vet, or basic hygiene. In 2023, shocking photos led the city to shut it down—briefly. Still, dogs kept coming, and the problems stacked up.
The director, Keila Rodríguez, said many dogs arrived already sick. That may be true, but by July 2025, it was clear no one was getting better inside those walls.
The Raid That Changed Everything
Between July 5 and 6, a court-approved raid led by Baja’s Prosecutor’s Office and the city of Ensenada uncovered the truth: 300 dogs packed into small, filthy rooms. Some rooms held up to 35 animals. There was no clean water, no drainage, and plenty of fleas, feces, and rotting remains.
Veterinarians found cases of distemper, mange, transmissible tumors, and cancer. Some dogs were too far gone. They had to be euthanized. Others were treated immediately and transferred to real clinics.
Rescue, Treatment, and Real Help
Municipal and state vets stepped in fast. Norma Olimpia Guerrero and Wilber Agumada Torres led medical evaluations. With help from certified shelters, they began treatment, rehab, and a plan to rehome the dogs responsibly.
Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila backed the effort and promised tighter shelter regulations in Baja. The city pledged ongoing support—meds, food, vet teams, and transport.
It wasn’t just a clean-up. It was a full system reboot.
Legal Action and What’s Next
Two investigations are now open—one from mid-2024 and one from this July. While no arrests have been made yet, authorities issued penalties and are preparing further charges.
The case is already changing how Baja thinks about animal protection. Officials are working on stricter rules, regular inspections, and real accountability for shelters.
Want to Help? You Can.
If this story breaks your heart, good. That means you’re human. And you can help.
The rescued dogs are currently under the care of government-led veterinary teams and are being assessed for relocation. While they are not being housed by independent shelters, you can still support the work of permitted and trustworthy rescue groups like Los Adoptables, Guillermina’s Sanctuary, 4 Patas, and Ayudando a los Animales—who continue rescuing and caring for animals across Ensenada.
If you’re thinking of donating, in-kind support is always best. Shelters often need food, medicine, cleaning supplies, and blankets more than anything.
Pro tip: Ask questions. Visit in person. If the place avoids showing you the kennels—run.
You can also check Petfinder for adoptable pets near Ensenada or contact the Centro de Atención Animal for verified information.
The Ruff Reality
Good intentions aren’t enough. Rescue means care, structure, and vet support—not just stacked cages and forgotten animals.
This shelter claimed the dogs were “the reason.” And you know what? They still are.
But now, thanks to loud neighbors, brave vets, and some much-needed pressure, these dogs finally have a reason to hope.
