A Historic Call from President Bukele
On October 8, 2025, President Nayib Bukele surprised the world by launching a public call on X (formerly Twitter): "Thousands of dogs and cats live on our streets. We want to change that, but without cruelty. We have the financial resources, but we are looking for expert partners to make it a model for Latin America. Who wants to come help us?"
This call marks a turning point in Salvadoran animal welfare policy. After more than three years dedicated to fighting gangs, the government is now tackling a persistent problem throughout Latin America: street animals.
Niall Harbison: The Expert Who Answered the Call
The response came from Thailand. Niall Harbison, an Irish activist based in Asia, immediately offered his help. Founder of the organization Happy Doggo, Harbison is globally recognized for his work rescuing stray dogs in Thailand, Bali, and Sri Lanka.
Happy Doggo's Impressive Numbers
- 130,000 dogs sterilized in just two years
- More than 1,000 dogs fed daily at their shelter
- Global mission: Reduce the world's stray dog population by half (from 500 to 250 million)
Harbison stated: "I have always been looking for a partner country to prove that a public-private collaboration can work - make it so effective that other countries can copy it." Bukele's response was simple: "Let's do it."
The Historic Meeting of November 2025
In November 2025, Niall Harbison traveled to El Salvador for a five-day visit. The meeting with President Bukele resulted in a major announcement: "We are creating the best national stray dog rescue program in the world."
This alliance could make El Salvador the first Latin American country to implement a comprehensive nationwide animal protection program.
The CNVR Method: A Humanitarian Approach
The program is based on the CNVR method (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return), recognized as the most effective and ethical way to manage stray animal populations:
- Catch: Animals are captured non-violently
- Neuter: Surgical intervention to prevent reproduction
- Vaccinate: Protection against rabies and other diseases
- Return: Release back to their familiar territory
This method is complemented by education programs and legislative changes to ensure lasting results.
A Legal Framework Already in Place
El Salvador has already taken important steps. In 2021, the government passed a law making animal abuse punishable by:
- 2 to 4 years in prison
- Financial fines
The country has also opened a public veterinary hospital, although non-governmental organizations continue to bear most of the burden.
Local Heroes: Shelters and Associations
Several Salvadoran organizations have been working for years to help stray animals:
Hogar Buena Fortuna (Mejicanos)
Run by Rafaela Perez from her own home, this shelter takes in abandoned cats and dogs. She testifies: "The number of abandoned animals you see every day on social media is minimal compared to those that actually exist. We must change this bad culture of abandonment."
Fundacion Gratitud (Salcoatitan)
Led by Patricia Madrid and six volunteers, this foundation organizes free sterilization days every month. It is the only organization in El Salvador to offer this service regularly. Their funding comes mainly from a Salvadoran woman living in the United States.
Other Active Organizations
- El Santuario de Animales: Founded in 2009, offers free veterinary care and vaccination campaigns
- FHMD CatDog El Salvador: Family foundation with national reach, sometimes housing hundreds of animals
- Hope Bridge / Fundacion Gratitud: USA-El Salvador partnership for sterilization and emergency care
The Current Situation
| Aspect | Details |
| Stray dog population | Not officially determined, but constantly growing |
| Main problem | Lack of public infrastructure and insufficient NGO funding |
| Animal protection law | Since 2021: 2-4 years in prison for abuse |
| Program objective | Become a model for all of Latin America |
Bukele: An Animal-Loving President
President Bukele himself adopted a dog named Cyan when he was mayor of San Salvador. This personal sensitivity towards shelter animals partly explains his commitment to this ambitious new project.
How to Help?
If you want to contribute to this cause during your visit to El Salvador or from abroad:
- Donate to local shelters like Fundacion Gratitud or Hogar Buena Fortuna
- Adopt an animal from local associations
- Sponsor an animal's sterilization (approximately $20-50 per procedure)
- Volunteer: Shelters welcome volunteers to feed and care for animals
- Raise awareness: Share information on social media
Towards a Better Future
Bukele's initiative and the partnership with Niall Harbison represent concrete hope for the thousands of stray animals in El Salvador. If the program succeeds, El Salvador could become the first Latin American country to effectively solve this problem, paving the way for other nations in the region.
As Rafaela Perez pointed out: "Animals are living beings." This simple reminder is at the heart of this ongoing revolution in El Salvador.