Published: 02/20/2026 – 04:44 PM
Updated: 02/20/2026 – 04:58 PM
Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah, stated that the Ministry of Public Health works in coordination with the Dominican Society of Psychiatry and the Dominican Society of Psychology, to address the trend of the so-called “therian” from a professional approach.
Atallah explained that the Ministry is studying the trend with the aim of understanding its causes and possible social implications.
Although he considered the recent proliferation of this type of demonstrations “striking,” he assured that the institution does not seek to stigmatize or single out those who identify with this movement.
“Something is happening that is causing these demonstrations to suddenly arise. That is why we are working to address this situation responsibly and we hope that, if it is a trend, it will pass,” Atallah said.
The term “therian” is used to describe people who claim to spiritually or psychologically identify with an animal. In recent months, the phenomenon has gained visibility on social networks, especially among adolescents and young people.
The minister maintained that, although it could be a passing trend, it is necessary to evaluate whether there are emotional, social or psychological factors that are influencing its growth.
In that sense, mental health specialists have pointed out that beyond a possible digital fashion, these expressions could be linked to processes of identity construction, self-esteem or the search for belonging.
