Disasters · Flood animal shelterAsuncion animal shelter: Former prison planned for 400–500 dogs and catsAired October 25, 2026 at 4:04 AM UTCWritten October 25, 2026 at 4:35 AM UTCRead the write-upThis storyTranscript · LOADING0:07Paraguay is preparing a former women's prison to shelter flood-displaced dogs and0:11cats.0:12The plan promises veterinary care and somewhere for animals to recover while their0:15families are found.0:16What still has to happen before those planned places become a refuge families can0:20actually use?0:21The proposed shelter would have room for 400 to 500 dogs and cats.0:25Those are planned places.0:26Officials haven't confirmed how many animals have entered the former Buen Pastor0:30women's prison, which is still being prepared for the operation.0:33Capacity estimates vary.0:34Some descriptions give 500 places and another says at least 500.0:38The 400 to 500 range is the main estimate.0:41Officials still have to turn the available space into usable accommodation, with0:45care organized around the animals' different needs.0:47The former prison stands in Asanción, Paraguay's capital.0:50The proposed refuge would receive animals from flood-affected parts of the city and0:54other communities, including Central Department.0:57Its intended reach extends beyond animals found immediately around the building.1:01The initiative responds to animals exposed or driven from their homes by flooding1:05and storms.1:06Officials also frame it as preparation for heavy rains, rising rivers, and risks1:10associated with El Niño.1:12Temporary care would give families time to organize a return home while their1:15animals recover.1:16The wider former prison property covers 3.5 hectares, the proposal would use1:21approximately one-third of its installations.1:23That leaves the animal operation within a sector of the grounds, with existing rooms1:27and other spaces adapted for its temporary purpose.1:30The work centers on cleaning, reorganizing, and repairing existing premises, with1:34the intention of keeping costs down.1:36The Animal Welfare Directorate plans to use institutional resources and donated1:39supplies.1:40Organizers have requested animal food, cleaning materials, and volunteer help, and1:44have sought assistance from Asancion's municipality.1:47Five sectors have been identified: Tinglado, Princesa Diana, Amaneser, Reneser,1:53Cruz Roja, and Pelucaria.1:55The former hairdressing area, Pelucaria, is intended for sanitary and veterinary1:59work.2:00Each space still needs to be made ready for its assigned role.2:03The planned care includes vaccination, deworming, and sanitation.2:07Castration would help manage animal health and prevent uncontrolled reproduction.2:11Central patios would provide recreation space.2:14Veterinary assistance is planned around the clock, so animals could receive2:18attention throughout their stay.2:19Animal Defense Director Hector Luis Rubin described the care arrangements.2:23Justice Vice Minister Rubain Missiel and Senator Lizarella Valiente helped present2:28the proposal and toured the facilities.2:30Valiente urged public involvement alongside the volunteers and animal protection2:34groups supporting the effort.2:36Rubin described separate containment and quarantine arrangements for cats and dogs2:40organized around their needs.2:41Animals would stay temporarily for treatment and recovery.2:44Returning them to their families is an intended outcome.2:47Responsible adoption would offer another route, including when an owner can't be2:51located.2:52The Justice Ministry says it will sign an agreement with the National Animal Welfare2:56Directorate.2:57The partnership has been announced, but whether that agreement has already been3:00signed remains unconfirmed.3:02The proposed arrangement gives the animal operation temporary use of part of the3:06property.3:06The former prison also has a proposed longer-term future as a cultural, gastronomic,3:11and commercial destination.3:12A public architecture competition is contemplated for that redevelopment.3:16The two uses are being presented in sequence with animals sheltered temporarily3:20before the property's broader transformation.3:22The premises remain in preparation.3:25Officials haven't announced a confirmed opening date or a first admission, so the3:29number actually receiving care is still unknown.3:32Families also need a site-specific way to find and reclaim an animal.3:36Organizers have asked for donations and volunteers, but dedicated drop-off hours and3:40a formal shelter-specific sign-up process haven't been published.3:44Detailed adoption and reclaiming instructions are also still needed, including how3:49families would identify their animals and arrange to take them home.Explore with HeyDexFollow via RSSThe shortThe short ↗
