The 5th International Congress on Animal Rights – titled Todos Somos Seres Sintientes (All Are Sentient Beings) – opened in San José del Cabo on March 5, drawing animal welfare advocates, veterinarians, biologists, and municipal officials to the Hotel Krystal Grand for three days of panels and policy discussions running through March 7.
Organized by the H. XV Ayuntamiento de Los Cabos, the congress brings together local, national, and international speakers to address wildlife conservation, responsible species management, and updates to municipal animal protection regulations. The opening ceremony began at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, with remarks from Los Cabos city council members and representatives from state and federal agencies.
The congress builds on a landmark reform passed by the Congress of Baja California on April 2, 2025, which officially recognized animals as sentient beings under state law. Organizers say this year’s event is designed to translate that legal recognition into practical municipal policy for Los Cabos, where rapid tourism development puts pressure on local wildlife and domestic animal populations.
Sessions cover topics including sea turtle conservation along the East Cape coastline, managing feral cat and dog populations in tourist zones, and regulating animal encounters marketed to visitors – such as camel rides and swim-with-dolphin operations.
Several Baja California Sur organizations are participating in the congress and operate year-round in the region:
- Cortez Rescue and Outreach – Serves the East Cape corridor from Las Cuevas to Cabo Pulmo, running rescue operations and youth education programs in La Ribera, Los Barriles, and San Bartolo.
- Animalandia Loreto – Based in Loreto, runs sterilization campaigns and adoption services for homeless dogs and cats.
- PAW Animal Clinic – Operates spay/neuter campaigns in Mulegé.
- Baja Animal Sanctuary – Provides long-term shelter and rehabilitation for rescued animals across BCS.
Attendees include veterinary students from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, sport fishing industry representatives, and civil associations from across the peninsula. Congress organizers expect the event to produce a set of formal recommendations that Los Cabos city council will consider in upcoming ordinance revisions.