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Puerto Rico Animals Awaiting Justice: Investigations, Mounting Lawsuits & Candle Light Vigil

November 09, 2007, 5:27PM MT

By Denise A LeBeau

Investigation is moving slow, though animal welfare is now a hot topic.

Investigation is moving slow, though animal welfare is now a hot topic.

By Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Network

It has now been over three weeks since a contractor hired by the government of Barceloneta, Puerto Rico is accused of seizing pets from residents of three low-incoming housing developments and hurling them off the side of a 50-foot bridge. This case has garnered worldwide attention to the severe stray animal issue on the island. Although the case is still being investigated, thus far no charges have been filed.

To assist in the investigation, the ASPCA has offered to donate the services of Dr. Melinda Merck, a forensic veterinarian, at no charge. Any additional costs for pathology, toxicology, transport of the bodies, and temporary licenses were to be paid for by local animal rescue organizations. The Puerto Rican government would have been responsible for the exhumation of the bodies and to maintain the chain of custody; however, despite multiple meetings throughout the week, a delay in obtaining the necessary permit to unearth the bodies caused a postponement of the necropsies. Dr. Merck will not be able to travel to Puerto Rico until after Thanksgiving and there is fear of further deterioration of the evidence. Says Leisha Swayne Cruelty Investigations Consultant for the RED de Protectores de Animales (The Animal Protectors Network), “You can’t imagine how anxious I was all week. It was very disappointing.”

Despite no criminal charges yet, a civil lawsuit was filed by some of the Puerto Rican pet guardians for $22.5 million. The claim is being made by 45 of the residents, who are requesting $500,000 each. Alma Febus, volunteer Investigator for Animal Cruelty, has voiced concerns and says “People are taking advantage of this crisis to make money or for politics.” She states that multiple lawyers are violating “ambulance chaser” laws and are attempting to exploit the residents. On the flip side, she believes residents that did not have any pets seized are now claiming that animals were taken from them, so they may join in the lawsuit. Her main fear is that politicians are utilizing this event to further their own party aspirations. “Animals shouldn’t be a political matter” says Febus, when discussing a protest march that was cancelled because of becoming overly politicized.

The The Pegasus Foundation, an organization that strives to improve the lives of animals and prevent their suffering in the United States and worldwide, has taken a lead in utilizing this catastrophe to bring animal welfare issues to the forefront. Anne Ostberg, Senior Program Officer says, “I think this already has been a catalyst for change.” While prior discussions with governmental officials in Puerto Rico have highlighted local animal welfare groups and their issues and challenges, since this event, she believes face-to-face meetings can be used to “direct organizations and the government to available resources.” She hopes the government’s new concern about animal issues will lead to long-term changes.

Animal welfare organizations, such as Manos por Patas continue to help. In addition to education on animal care and spay/neuter, they also transport dogs to the United States. President, Ginny Cornett, recently flew to Puerto Rico to help airlift dogs for transport to the SPCA of Central Florida. With help, about 34 dogs are now available for adoption that previously had little hope for a happy life. Working as a volunteer from the United States, she sometimes feels like an outsider. “It’s a balance. You need to be respectful of other cultural traditions, but also offer suggestions.” She knows there is a need to be proactive and is pleased at a recent low cost spay/neuter clinic at Yabucoa. Each small step is progress toward the day when there will no longer be a need to transport animals to the mainland United States for homes. Cornett states “There’s a momentum now and we’re trying really had not to lose it.”

For more information:
• Tragedy in Puerto Rico Spurs Action for Animals
• The Pegasus Foundation: Caribbean Animal Welfare
• The Pegasus Foundation: Caribbean Animal Tourism Support (CATS)
• Manos por Patas
• Puerto Rico Forum for Animal Rights Yahoo Group

How you can help:
• If you are in Puerto Rico, please participate in a candle light vigil in memory of the Barcelonetas pets. The event is sponsored by the Department of Animal Service, Bambie Rottweiler Service, and Kinta Residence and is to be held on Saturday, November 10 at 6:00 p.m. at Barcelonetas Plaza. For additional information, or if you are interested in attending, you may contact Alma at 787-816-7688 or e-mail nikkovonrottie@aol.com.
• Keep in mind that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. Please make your voice heard to Governor Aníbal Acevedo-Vilá let him know that events such as this are not acceptable and encourage change on behalf of animals on a governmental level.
Governor Aníbal Acevedo-Vilá
La Fortaleza
P.O. Box 9020082
San Juan, PR 00902
Phone: 787-721-7000
Fax: 787-724-6942
Contact the Governor through his website
• With over 15,000 signatures, the Puerto Rico Pet Massacre Petition has already far exceeded its original goal, but additional support is still needed. Please sign the petition to the Governor Aníbal Acevedo-Vilá to demand justice for those animals killed and action on behalf of the many stray and abandoned animals.
• You may boycott traveling to Puerto Rico until something is done to protect the animals and let the government tourism agency know of your intention.
Terestella Gonzalez Denton
Executive Director
Compañía de Turismo de Puerto Rico
PO Box 4435
San Juan, PR 00902-4435
Phone: 787-721-2400
Fax: 787-722-6238
• Support Puerto Rican animal welfare organizations (scroll down to Puerto Rico) and help them continue their life saving work. You do not need to be in Puerto Rico to help. In addition to making monetary donations, you can volunteer remotely for many of these agencies.
• If you are interested in helping long term, consider attending the 2008 Caribbean Animal Welfare Conference will be held April 21-24, 2008 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Photo credit: All photos are from the second protest march in Puerto Rico, provided and reprinted with permission by Leisha Swayne.

Comments

Posted November 21, 2007, 3:34PM by Celeste

Everyone, please check out the new Puerto Rico online community, sponsored by Best Friends and managed by volunteers!

Celeste Crimi
Network Member Support
Best Friends Animal Society

Posted November 12, 2007, 10:45PM by samsol

I am sickened by these Puertican laws. Maybe someone should throw those &$#%$ off a bridge!

Posted November 11, 2007, 5:25PM by ruthy92

This is truly a time that the voice of the people can make a difference.

The Governor and also tourism businesses need to hear from Americans. So many people who travel to Puerto Rico are just repulsed by the cruelty, the overpopulation, the abandoned pets.

And these people don't go back and spend money in Puerto Rico!

There need to be readily available low-cost or free spay neuter clinics, spaymobiles to go into rural areas, and education. Business, the government, and private rescue can work together.

Also, I read somewhere that lots of UNALTERED puppy mill puppies get shipped to Puerto Rico by puppy mills in places like Missouri to be sold in pet stores etc.

Posted November 11, 2007, 5:27PM by ruthy92

It would also be really nice to see vets and vet students going to Puerto Rico to help with spaying and neutering!

Posted November 14, 2007, 9:24PM by tamarad

This is an article that talks in more detail about PRs very poor animal welfare. Warning: it is a very difficult article to read, but this MUST be brought to the attention of all who care about animals.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071115/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/puerto_rico_pet_massacres_5

Posted November 15, 2007, 9:11AM by yvette

Tamara, thank you for posting the link to that article.