San Salvador, El Salvador – March 8, 2025 — President Nayib Bukele announced on Saturday the immediate closure of Chivo Pets, the Animal Welfare Institute (IBA), and Polipet, following public outrage over alleged animal abuse at a shelter in Ilopango, San Salvador East municipality.
The decision comes after graphic images surfaced on social media depicting dogs in a state of severe malnutrition at a municipal shelter located in the Bosques de La Paz neighborhood.
The images sparked widespread condemnation and calls for accountability across the country.
On his Facebook page, President Bukele confirmed the closure of the Chivo Pets veterinary hospital, inaugurated in February 2022, with the promise of offering low-cost services, $0.25 in bitcoin per consultation.
The President cited growing public dissatisfaction and criticism that the facility primarily served wealthier segments of the population.
I was surprised to see that most of the comments on social media were complaints and even accusations that it is a service “for the rich,” which seems absurd to me since, obviously, a person with high resources would not take their pet to a public veterinary clinic. Nayib Bukele.
SEE ALSO: How Chivo Pets Hospital: Making Affordable Animal Care Accessible in El Salvador
“If the general perception is negative, the right thing to do is to listen to the citizens,” remarked Presiden Bukele. “We will close Chivo Pets to prevent further concerns about using public funds on veterinary services for the wealthy.”
President Bukele stated he reviewed more than 8,000 messages from concerned citizens regarding the conditions of animals at the Ilopango shelter.
In response, the President sharply criticized the mayor of San Salvador East, Jose Chicas, also a member of the ruling New Ideas political party, calling his management of the “shelter “terrible” and labeling him “inept.”
Bukele suggested the Municipal Council “should seriously evaluate his dismissal” for mismanaging the shelter and the municipal government’s broader operations.
The President also condemned the failure of the Animal Welfare Institute (IBA) and Polipet to take the necessary actions to prevent such neglect, declaring that the government would permanently shut down both institutions and dismiss all associated officials and staff.
Looking ahead, the President stated that the government will transfer all municipal animal shelter operations to organizations specializing in animal welfare.
He also announced that the government would allocate $3 million annually in direct transfers to support these shelters.
The closures mark a sweeping shift in El Salvador’s approach to animal welfare. The government aims to rebuild public trust and ensure improved animal conditions nationwide.
