Guanajuato, Mexico - The barking of dozens of dogs heralded the dedication of the "Perro Parque" in León on Monday in a festive event led by "El Encantador de Perros," César Millán, who said that the park, the largest in the country for Canine recreation, represents the love that Mexico has for animals.

Created with a 2.5-million-peso investment by the Parque Zoológico de León and private contributions, the dog park is located next to the León zoo on 2.5 hectares of land that features plenty of green space, a jogging track, a wading pool, an artificial lake, veterinary services and training areas.

Surrounded by Golden Retrievers, Saint Bernards, German Shepherds, Labradors, Bull Dogs, Huskies, and various other breeds of dogs, Millán, together with the Mayor of León, Héctor López Santillana, and the president of the Zoo's board of directors, Francisco Muñoz López, cut the inaugural ribbon.

Millán said he was moved to see the creation of such a park, as his experience growing up in Culiacán, Sinaloa, is one repeated throughout the country: dogs living on roof tops or wandering loose in the streets, or wearing lemon collars "to cure distemper."

After applauding the creation of the theme park, the famous dog trainer observed a demonstration by the León Municipal Police's K-9 Group and, to the delight of the crowd, rode on a wheeled sled pulled by a team of lively Huskies.

The Perro Parque officially opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, offering dog lovers and their pets a safe, comfortable, natural and outfitted space. The cost of entry is 10 pesos for pet owners, who are required to bring an up-to-date vaccination card for each dog accompanying them.