Laredo Proclaims April as Animal Cruelty Awareness Month

Officials and advocates cite rising calls, citations, and thousands of stray and bite cases across the city

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:37pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a dog food bowl in vibrant neon shades, conceptually representing the scale of the animal welfare issues facing the city.A pop art-inspired illustration highlights the growing crisis of animal cruelty and neglect in Laredo, Texas.Laredo Today

Laredo city officials have proclaimed April as Animal Cruelty Awareness Month, highlighting the growing issue of animal abuse, neglect, and abandonment in the community. Data shows a significant increase in animal cruelty-related calls and citations over the past two years, with thousands of stray animal and bite investigation cases reported. Officials and advocates emphasize the need for greater action, coordination, and community involvement to address this crisis.

Why it matters

Animal cruelty is not just an isolated issue, but one that is linked to broader patterns of violence in the community, including domestic abuse and child neglect. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive approach that involves law enforcement, prosecutors, and community partners working together to protect vulnerable animals and intervene early to prevent further escalation of violence.

The details

In 2024, the Laredo Police Department handled 2,414 cruelty or enforcement-related calls and issued 1,103 citations. That rose in 2025 to 2,616 calls and 1,241 citations. The issue also extends beyond enforcement cases, with 16,022 stray animal calls and 1,072 bite investigations reported across those two years. Officials say the true extent of the crisis is likely much greater, as many cases of animal cruelty go unreported.

  • In 2024, the Laredo Police Department handled 2,414 cruelty or enforcement-related calls and issued 1,103 citations.
  • In 2025, the Laredo Police Department handled 2,616 cruelty or enforcement-related calls and issued 1,241 citations.
  • In February 2026, Webb County Commissioners Court approved pursuing a partnership with the city for animal control services in unincorporated areas.

The players

Gilbert Gonzalez

District I Councilmember for the City of Laredo.

Dr. Victor Trevino

Mayor of Laredo.

Esmeralda Martinez

A sociology teacher at Lyndon B. Johnson High School and sponsor of the Paws of Johnson student group.

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What they’re saying

“This proclamation is not just a picture. It takes more than pictures. It takes action.”

— Gilbert Gonzalez, District I Councilmember

“Countless cases of animal cruelty go unreported, leaving many animals to endure suffering in silence and making the true extent of this crisis far greater than statistics reveal.”

— Dr. Victor Trevino, Mayor

“If you want change, you need to get involved. My students have learned a lot and are showing they want to change Laredo. They want to acknowledge animals and be their voice.”

— Esmeralda Martinez, Sociology Teacher

What’s next

The city is working to move beyond awareness efforts and focus on action, including reactivating a task force to address animal cruelty cases and broader collaboration among law enforcement, prosecutors, and community partners. There are also plans for a new animal shelter in south Laredo, though additional details were not immediately available.

The takeaway

Addressing the growing issue of animal cruelty in Laredo will require a comprehensive, community-wide effort that goes beyond just raising awareness. Officials and advocates emphasize the need for increased coordination, enforcement, and early intervention to protect vulnerable animals and prevent further escalation of violence in the community.