Puerto Rico Tourism Company passing the buck

This is unbelievable. Below is a press release concerning the recent massacre of animals in Vega Baja. Take a look at it and then read through this website. Does the tourism industry of Puerto Rico REALLY think we’re that gullible? This is NOT an isolated incident – it’s just that this one was of such a severe magnitude that it received attention from the press. Call or write the PRHTA and PRTC to tell them what you think about their response. It is time to call for a tourism boycott to Puerto Rico until the powers that be satisfactorily address the culture of cruelty on their island. Tell the tourism boards that you will not support the government’s negligence of the consistent mistreatment of animals on the island. Negatively affecting the financial income of the island appears to be the only way to get the attention of a government complicit in rampant cruelty.

Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association
165 Ponce de León
Suite 301
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00917-1233
Tel. (787) 758-8001
Fax (787) 758-8091

info@prhta.org

Puerto Rico Tourism Company

P.O. Box 902-3960
San Juan, P.R. 00902-3960
Phone: (787) 721-2400

tgonzalez@prtourism.com

October 15, 2007

TO: All PRTC, PRHTA Offices and industry members
FROM: Diana Rodriguez
CC: Edelman: Julie Freeman-Bradler, Lisa Mortman, Sara Garibaldi

RE: Pet Incident in Puerto Rico

Important Note: Please do not respond to media regarding the situation. Any media inquiries should be directed immediately to Diana Rodriguez at 787-723-0017. Should a member of the industry need further information, they are to be directed to Diana Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations.

STATEMENT

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) and the Government of Puerto Rico are appalled by the unfortunate incident that occurred in the municipality of Barceloneta, where approximately 50 dogs and cats were allegedly tossed from a bridge by workers of a private company contracted by the municipality of Barceloneta to remove pets from a residential housing project, and take them to a local shelter.

PRTC and the Government of Puerto Rico condemns these criminal acts, and classifies them as cruel, inhumane and shameless actions committed by indecent people. This truly unfortunate incident is an isolated one and this is the first time that the island has encountered such a situation. The Government is taking all measures necessary to ensure that the people responsible for these criminal acts are prosecuted under local and federal law. These inhumane actions tarnish the image of Puerto Rico's rich culture and by no means are representative of the strong values of the people of Puerto Rico.

The Public Housing Administration (PHA) has activated their emergency committee and is visiting residents involved in the raid to compile evidence and testimonials for the investigation. The legal division is evaluating what measures should be taken against the responsible entities for their illegal actions. In addition, psychologists and social workers have been hired to visit the affected families.

Today, Monday, October 15^th, government officials will meet to determine how to enforce regulations set forth by Puerto Rico's State Animal Control Association and effectively communicate proper animal control procedures. Also discussed will be the civil repercussions and penalties that the responsible entities will be held liable to, in addition to the measures that need to be taken to ensure that those responsible are heavily penalized for their actions. The private company, Animal Control Solutions is being investigated as the lead suspect in the case.

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company is doing everything possible to obtain reliable, up-to-the-minute information on this situation and will make additional details available as they become known.