**Veterinarians in Tijuana Embark on Strike Following Colleague’s Death in Mexico State**
In a powerful display of solidarity, members of the Tijuana Association of Veterinary Physicians (COMVEZPET) have joined a national strike to demand justice for the murder of a fellow veterinarian, Héctor Hernández Caña. The tragic incident took place on February 9, 2025, in Tultepec, located in the State of Mexico.
COMVEZPET has expressed profound regret over the loss and announced their commitment to urging authorities to deliver justice for the family and loved ones of the victim. “Our organization stands firmly for the protection of human life and the respectful treatment of all species under our care. We cannot condone the criminalization of veterinary practices, nor accept violent acts or threats against professionals in our field,” stated COMVEZPET in their official notice.
To honor their colleague and stand against violence, the association has encouraged all Tijuana residents to condemn actions that threaten human life and the professional integrity of veterinarians. Supporters of the strike are invited to gather at 10:00 a.m. at the “Las Tijeras” monument in Tijuana. Concurrent rallies will also take place in Ensenada and Mexicali.
**Who Was Héctor Hernández Caña?**
Héctor Hernández Caña was an esteemed veterinarian who graduated from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and held extensive experience in his field. At the time of his death, he worked at Faunaria Veterinary Clinic. Caña was involved in a surgical procedure on an eight-year-old Yorkshire Terrier named “Mía,” dealing with an esophageal obstruction. Unfortunately, the extended decision time by the dog’s owners contributed to its death from cardiorespiratory arrest.
Following the incident, Hector received threats and faced extortion initiated by the dog’s owners, which led to their physical assault on him on February 9. Despite the efforts to provide professional care, Caña had lost his life after being attacked at his workplace, marking a devastating moment for the veterinary community.
**Secondary Article: A Growing Call for Veterinarian Safety**
This event has sparked nationwide conversations about the safety and protection of veterinary professionals across Mexico. Following Caña’s death, multiple veterinarian associations have rallied together, pushing for legislative reforms that enhance security measures in veterinary practices.
Recent meetings held by these associations have highlighted an urgent need for protective legislation akin to laws safeguarding medical doctors. Efforts to create a detailed protocol for managing disputes between veterinarians and pet owners have also gained traction, reflecting an industry now grappling with the balance of caregiving and personal safety.
The national veterinary community is calling on both citizens and authorities to rethink the roles of these professionals, stressing the importance of their work and the risks they face daily. The hope is that through increased awareness and legal support, the safety of veterinary practitioners can be fortified, preventing further tragedies like the untimely death of Héctor Hernández Caña.