I'm not saying this is any relation to your story but when I was in the Ixtapa area (more outside in a more rural area) this past summer I was appalled at all of the cages of Yorkies, Maltese and just about any dog you could think on on the side of the road in cages! Stacked cages
It bothered me so much that I couldn't go out on excursions because every little town we came to had the same thing - tons of dogs in cages and the dogs on the street were so under nurished it made me cry. I won't say it completely ruined my vacation but it sure put a damper on it.
Best of luck in your search...