After veterinarian concerns regarding the appointment of an activist as Director of the Animal Control Center Mexicali Mayor decided to nominate another director.

The new director, Rafael Minero Jáuregui, replaces Juliana Ortega, who leads nonprofit Patitas Callejeras that helps rescue pets from streets.

The new director was tasked with working with nonprofit organizations and other stakeholders to continue with the agency’s programs to vaccinate and sterilize pets.

Ortega was appointed as Supervisor of Adoption.

During now former Mayor Guadalupe Mora administration several concerns were raised by city council members and other stakeholders about the sale of dogs caught by the center staff. On Monday, veterinarians held a demonstration outside City Hall to criticize the appointment of Ortega that was considered inappropriate as the official is not a college graduate expert in the area.