Mom and pup rescued from Santurce

This mom and her puppy were found tied to a railing in Santurce. They were rescued by a good samaritan and are in foster care.

Two new little ones at the beach

Dane and Ishtar were dumped at the beach yesterday. They are both sweet and, obviously, adorable. We are looking for donations to get them off the beach.

More puppies born at the beach

Kaly is a scaredy-cat hyena-looking girl who has been at the beach for a while. She won't let anyone get near her and thus she is still unsterilized. She had a litter a few months ago and these are the survivors. The puppies are skittish, too, so it's going to take a few people to capture them. But they all look so miserable with such terrible mange that we will do our best to get them as soon as possible.

Kasey and her babies are safe

Kasey and her 5 puppies are safe at Dr. Alverio's. Kasey had 5 little ones just 5 days ago. She dug a hole in the ground for them but with all the rain, we were all worried about their safety. But now we can all rest well. Tomorrow they will be going to a foster home for a few weeks until the puppies are older.

Article in International Herald Tribune

Puerto Rico dogs flown to Florida amid abuse concerns
The Associated Press
Published: October 26, 2007

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico: They found her curled up in the door frame of a French-style bakery, filthy and frail from living on the streets of Puerto Rico's capital.

Animal rescuers named the tiny dog Francine, after the shop where she was found. On Friday, she and 11 other dogs were flown from San Juan to a shelter in Orlando, Fla., part of a rescue effort fueled by fears of animal abuse in the U.S. Caribbean territory.

Dozens of dogs and cats were seized from housing projects and hurled from a 50-foot-high (15-meter-high) bridge there earlier this month, sparking international outrage. Police are investigating a private animal control company they say is involved, although its owner has denied responsibility.

Central Florida's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offered to take as many as 50 dogs after hearing about the killings, and local animal welfare groups this week asked rescuers across the island to round up any dogs healthy enough to be adopted.

The first animals flew out Thursday with Ginny Cornett, who runs a Florida-based rescue organization and often visits Puerto Rico to treat abused animals at Yabucoa Beach, also known as Dead Dog Beach. On board with her were 11 dogs, three of which had been abandoned at Yabucoa. When they arrived in Florida, SPCA officials waited on the tarmac with kennels.

They are expected to soon find the dogs homes.

"You won't believe the amount of phone calls I've been getting in the last 24 hours after people found out we were receiving dogs from Puerto Rico," said Jake White, SPCA's senior vice president.

Some are Puerto Ricans who live in Florida, while others simply heard puppies might be available, he said. The shelter accepts up to 13,000 animals a year, and hasn't had to euthanize any in the last decade for lack of space, he said.

The last group of dogs will be flown out Saturday, opening up space in several Puerto Rican homes for more stray dogs, said Edilia Vazquez, director of local dog rescue group Save a Sato.

Vazquez was the foster mother for Francine, the 8-month-old dog that she said loves giving sloppy kisses. Vazquez said it is hard to see the animals go, but she is comforted to know new families will care for them.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/26/news/CB-GEN-Puerto-Rico-Pet-Massacre.php

Puerto Rico dogs flown to Florida amid abuse concerns
The Associated Press
Published: October 26, 2007

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico: They found her curled up in the door frame of a French-style bakery, filthy and frail from living on the streets of Puerto Rico's capital.

Animal rescuers named the tiny dog Francine, after the shop where she was found. On Friday, she and 11 other dogs were flown from San Juan to a shelter in Orlando, Fla., part of a rescue effort fueled by fears of animal abuse in the U.S. Caribbean territory.

Dozens of dogs and cats were seized from housing projects and hurled from a 50-foot-high (15-meter-high) bridge there earlier this month, sparking international outrage. Police are investigating a private animal control company they say is involved, although its owner has denied responsibility.

Central Florida's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offered to take as many as 50 dogs after hearing about the killings, and local animal welfare groups this week asked rescuers across the island to round up any dogs healthy enough to be adopted.

The first animals flew out Thursday with Ginny Cornett, who runs a Florida-based rescue organization and often visits Puerto Rico to treat abused animals at Yabucoa Beach, also known as Dead Dog Beach. On board with her were 11 dogs, three of which had been abandoned at Yabucoa. When they arrived in Florida, SPCA officials waited on the tarmac with kennels.

They are expected to soon find the dogs homes.

"You won't believe the amount of phone calls I've been getting in the last 24 hours after people found out we were receiving dogs from Puerto Rico," said Jake White, SPCA's senior vice president.

Some are Puerto Ricans who live in Florida, while others simply heard puppies might be available, he said. The shelter accepts up to 13,000 animals a year, and hasn't had to euthanize any in the last decade for lack of space, he said.

The last group of dogs will be flown out Saturday, opening up space in several Puerto Rican homes for more stray dogs, said Edilia Vazquez, director of local dog rescue group Save a Sato.

Vazquez was the foster mother for Francine, the 8-month-old dog that she said loves giving sloppy kisses. Vazquez said it is hard to see the animals go, but she is comforted to know new families will care for them.

A great step for Yabucoa!

The Municipality of Yabucoa has taken a great step in helping curb the overpopulation of dogs by setting up a low-cost spay, neuter, and vaccination clinic!

Napo needs a foster home

This is Napo (short for Napoleon). He was rescued in San Juan and his rescuer needs to find a foster for him until he can travel to the states. He's a male, around 1 - 1 1/2 years old, about 20 pounds and in pretty good condition. His rescuer took him to a vet to have him checked out and found out he's heartworm positive. She cannot keep him in her home and needs to find a foster to care for him for 2-3 weeks until he's able to fly to the U.S. for adoption. If you can help, please contact me asap.

St. Hubert's - "we'll take five"!

Jackie and Elizabeth from St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in New Jersey rescued these 5 dogs from Dead Dog Beach this week!

New dogs at the beach

These first 3 dogs showed up at the beach this week. The other two, Kurt and Sabrina, were found near the hotels, where much of the poisoning occurs, and Sandra relocated them to the beach area.

Kasey has given birth

Kasey had 5 puppies yesterday. Kasey is about 11 months old. She is one of 3 daughters of Mara. Mara was poisoned 2 weeks ago and Kaylee, one of Kasey's sisters, was poisoned shortly before that. Kasey also has had an eye infection that seems to have gotten so bad that she is blind in that eye.

We've been trying to catch Kasey and Kiernan since they were very little but they are too skittish. Sandra says that Kasey is more approachable now b/c of the puppies so if we want to catch her, now is the time.

We need someone who can take Kasey and the babies in and foster them until the puppies are old enough that they can all be sent to the states for adoption. We will pay for food (the babies will obviously be nursing for a while) and all vet bills for someone who will foster them for 3 months.

Email for Governor Acevedo Vila

Okay, hopefully this is finally the correct email - fortaleza@puertoricodeprimera.com

It's the Puppi-el Airlift!!!

Article in Orlando Sentinel

Abused dogs from Puerto Rico arrive in Orlando

Posted on Oct 25, 2007 8:32:51 PM

It was a scene to bring tears to the eyes. A group of abused dogs from Puerto Rico arrived at Orlando International Airport today to begin what animal activists hope will be a chance at a happy life.

Ginny Cornett, with Hands for Paws, holds Marina, a chihuahua mix, who was taken from Dead Dog Beach in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. She had a chain tied around her neck and her skin grew around it.

"Canela", meaning Cinnamon, is one of the rescued dogs.

Ginny Cornett, with Hands for Paws, delivers Lannie, a black lab mix with one eye, to the SPCA of Central Florida. Lannie is one of the three dogs from Dead Dog Beach. "She is a survivor and deserves this chance to live," Ginny says.

Animal behaviorist Diane Anderson with the SPCA of Central Florida, greets the dogs as they arrived at the airport. All dogs are healthy, sterilized, fully vacinated and ready for adoption.

The fly-in is part of "Operation Lifesaver," an anti-cruelty, animal welfare program sponsored by the SPCA of Central Florida and Amigo De Los Animales. Some of the dogs are survivors of amazing cruelty, when animal service workers threw them from a bridge earlier this month. Interested in adopting - go to www.OrlandoPets.org.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_lifestyle_animal/2007/10/abused-dogs-fro.html

Video reports about bridge massacre

there's a brief commercial at the beginning of each clip

Fox News

ABC News

Owners of pets file suit

Owners of pets file suit

By Danica Coto, The Associated Press

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Pet owners whose dogs and cats were thrown to their deaths from a bridge have filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the company that took the animals away and others they claimed were involved in the killings.

The $22.5 million claim was filed in federal court Friday against Puerto Rico's public housing director, the municipality of Barceloneta, its mayor, the owner of a private animal control company and several others.

The 45 plaintiffs - whose pets were snatched this month when local authorities enforced a no-pet rule in the island's public housing - are seeking $500,000 each.

Animal control workers seized dozens of dogs and cats from three housing projects in northwestern Puerto Rico on Oct. 8 and 10, beating, drugging, and then launching at least 50 of the animals to their deaths off a bridge, the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit says the owners had to watch as their animals were taken, injected with "unknown chemicals" and slammed into vehicles.

Police have confirmed the involvement of Animal Control Solutions.

http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_7237694

Video news from Sunday's march

Here is a news piece from Channel 4.

A Day in the Life

See this link for "A Day in the Life of Puerto Rico".

Links to videos

These are two news stories concerning the Puerto Rico pet massacre. They are in Spanish.

Channel 4 story
Univision story

March on Sunday in San Juan

Sunday October 21st there will be a second march in response to recent animal slaughters; the march will take place in San Juan beginning at 4:00 p.m., The march will begin in the park in front of the Supreme Court building / across the Normandie Hotel (Luis Muñoz Rivera Park in Puerto de Tierra - entrance towards Old san Juan) and will continue on to the Capitol. Please plan to take part in this event. A strong showing is necessary to denounce the abuse committed by Animal Control Solutions and the municipality of Barceloneta. Please wear a white OR black bow/ribbon. Also wear a white shirt so we will be identified as animal welfare suporters. Write an appropriate message on your car and put a white or black ribbon on your car's antenna. Wear a white ribbon that day even if you can't go to the march. For more information contact Hector Diaz at 787-525-8214 or 787-795-2320.

2da Marcha: Justicia para las familias y los animales esesinados en Barceloneta este Domingo 10/21 @ 4 pm Este domingo 21 de octubre se va a celebrar una segunda marcha en protesta por el trato de los animales en Puerto Rico. Todos vimos las imagenes de los recientes acontecimientos en Vega Baja y Barceloneta, donde decenas de perros y gatos fueron tirados desde un puente (50 pies de altura), algunos todavia vivos. Estos animales le pertenecian a personas que tuvieron que presenciar como sus mascotas eran llevadas a su muerte. No solo Puerto Rico fue testigo de estas imagenes, EL MUNDO ENTERO HA VISTO LAS IMAGENES. Puerto Rico ha quedado en verguenza frente al mundo. Digamos BASTA YA, basta de la inaccion del gobierno hacia este problema. Demonstremos nuestra indignacion y reclamemos accion y compromiso de parte del gobierno y los foros judiciales. La marcha sera este domingo a las 4:00 pm y comenzara en el parque Luís Muñoz Rivera y de ahi caminaremos hasta el Capitolio.Si no puedes asistir, ponte una camisa blanca y ponle un lazo blanco o negro a tu carro, Para informacion favor de comunicarse con Hector Diaz, G.R.I. al 787-795-2320 o 787-525-8214.

VISITEN www.redprotectoresdeanimales.org PARA DONAR TU TIEMPO y/o HABILIDADES en calidad de voluntario envia un email info@redprotectoresdeanimales..org e indique dias disponibles (puede ser hasta 2 dias al mes)

Petfinder link for DDB dogs for adoption

We now have a current and complete page at Petfinder listing all the dogs available for adoption through us.

Diaz disposes of evidence in pet massacre case

Diaz disposes of evidence in pet massacre case Posted: Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 07:01 PM

By LAURA CANDELAS

SAN JUAN (AP) – The physical evidence that would have helped to clarify some of the questions regarding the dead dogs and cats found underneath a bridge in Vega Baja no longer exists. Animal Control Solution (ACS) Owner Julio Díaz –who has reiterated the dogs picked up in Barceloneta were in freezers at his company and not underneath a bridge in Vega Baja- said Thursday those animals were cremated because they were decomposing. “They had been a week there [in the refrigerators] and they were starting to smell. The refrigerators turn off at night and they [the cadavers] thaw… The smell was unbearable,” he said. However, he did not want to identify the place where the animals were cremated “to not continue ruining reputations.” “I am going to provide certification stating they were cremated,” he said. According to Díaz, he was visited Thursday morning by two Criminal Investigation Corps agents who allegedly inspected the animals’ cadavers. He was not interviewed by the agents, because he was not there. He denied the animals his agency picked up from the public housing projects in Barceloneta were the same ones found underneath the bridge, as it was reported by several residents of those housing complexes, who assured they recognized their pets among the dozens of cadavers piled up underneath the structure. The Environmental Quality Board (EQB) does not have any evidence indicating the Animal Control Solution Co. is licensed to handle animal cadavers or biomedical waste, which the businessman admitted. “We now realized we need it [the license,] I imagine we will submit it and we will be fined… It is the first time we see we need that kind of license,” he said. Díaz also admitted he was not licensed to administer narcotics, needed when carrying out animal euthanasia, but he said he has a contract with the Mariolga Veterinarian Clinic in Caguas to handle that. His company only uses a sedative. “We do not need [the narcotics license] for our operation,” he said and explained that when they capture animals, they give them acepromazina, “a sedative that is not controlled and that we can use because it is to calm” the pets. To handle narcotics, Mental Health and Adiction Services Adminstration and Drug Enforcement Administration licenses are needed. Díaz said he usually disposes of animals in sanitary landfills, which he said is permitted by law and is common. However, he did not want to say which landfills he has used. Meanwhile, Carla Capalli, an activist in favor of animal protection, said Thursday she has not adopted a position in the defense of Julio Díaz, who is currently being investigated along with the Barceloneta municipality for the murder of 80 dogs and cats found under a bridge in Vega Baja. On Thursday she said her position is neutral and she is not defending Díaz. “I am not defending him, I believe he must prove he is innocent… and if he is not, I am the first one to make sure he will pay for the consequences of his actions,” she said. “I do not want people to think I am in his favor,” she said, while reassuring she was still affected by the massacre.

Article in Orlando Sentinel

Central Florida groups help find new homes for Puerto Rico stray dogs

Paloma (left) and Ally are lucky dogs - both were adopted from Puerto Rico. (HILDA M. PEREZ, ORLANDO SENTINEL / October 17, 2007)

Jeannette Rivera-lyles | Sentinel Staff Writer

October 19, 2007

News that more than 50 cats and dogs were thrown to their deaths from a bridge in Puerto Rico last week circled the globe and horrified many. Christine Driscoll's reaction was no different. She felt sick to her stomach, angry, frustrated and helpless.

But not surprised.

When Driscoll moved to Puerto Rico 13 years ago, she planned to teach English at a private school. But she was overwhelmed by the thousands of stray cats and dogs on the island and by the authorities' failure to enforce animal-cruelty laws. In response, Driscoll, now a resident of Baldwin Park in Orlando, founded Amigos de los Animales (Friends of the Animals).

The organization, which she runs from her home office, rescues and rehabilitates stray cats and dogs in Puerto Rico and finds them homes in Florida and other states.

On Thursday, Driscoll joined forces with the SPCA of Central Florida to find homes for dogs through its shelters. Initially, an official with the agency said, it will take 30 to 50 dogs from the island.

"In the future we might be able to take more," said Jake White, senior vice president of the SPCA of Central Florida.

Driscoll has adopted two dogs of her own from the island -- Paloma and Ally -- and recently placed a dog with an Orlando couple.

Initiatives such as this one are the only chance many of the island's strays have, she said.

"There are just a handful of shelters in Puerto Rico and they are overwhelmed," said Driscoll, 40. "So we don't have another choice. It's either adoption here or euthanasia."

The U.S. commonwealth is at the center of an international controversy over how it deals with an estimated 300,000 stray cats and dogs as well as animal-cruelty incidents. The issue was brought to the fore last week when a private animal-control company seized dozens of cats and dogs from a public housing project and hurled them off a bridge. "Pet Massacre in Puerto Rico," read the headlines from Australia to Latin America.

Animal-rescue groups across the country as well as those on the island quickly denounced the killings, while pointing out that it was not an isolated incident. Animal abuse, they say, is rampant in Puerto Rico, and one animal-rights group is calling for a tourism boycott.

"We don't want to bring anybody down," said Ginny Cornett, founder of Hands for Paws, the Palm Beach-based group calling for the boycott. "But if this is what it will take for the Puerto Rican government to pay attention to the problem, so be it."

The negative publicity has caught the attention of some government officials. On Tuesday, Puerto Rico tourism secretary Terestella Gonzlez-Denton called for a meeting with Driscoll and representatives from animal-protection groups to discuss possible solutions.

Hands for Paws and Amigos work together, rescuing dogs from an isolated beach in Yabucoa, a coastal town in eastern Puerto Rico that is a frequent dumping ground for unwanted pets. Among the locals, the stretch of sand is known as "dead dog beach" because the strays are frequently tortured, mutilated, beaten to death and even shot, Driscoll said.

Dr. Rafael Ramos, a veterinarian who treats many of Amigos' rescued animals in his San Juan office, says he frequently sees gruesome cases of abuse.

"There's a sector of our society that has lost respect for life," Ramos said. "Animals are not seen as living beings. Strays are seen as pests."

Most of the dogs that Amigos rescues are flown to U.S. shelters once they are nursed back to health, sterilized and vaccinated. Last year, the organization brought more than 800 dogs to the mainland. Many went to the Humane Society of Broward County in South Florida.

"We get a lot of puppies from Puerto Rico, and those are adopted quickly," said Cherie Wachter, a spokeswoman for that organization. "And that fills a need because if people don't find what they want in a shelter, they'll go to a pet store."

Wachter said her shelter takes puppies only when they have available space and said no animals are euthanized there. The SPCA of Central Florida has a similar policy. Amigos' animals also go to shelters in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Driscoll is hopeful that things will take a turn for the better on the island.

"We finally have the attention of people that ignored us for the longest time," Driscoll said. "Something good has to come out of this."


Jeannette Rivera-Lyles can be reached at jrivera@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5471.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-catsanddogs1907oct19,0,1472013.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout

Update on Yoli

Yoli is one of only two survivors from the bridge massacre. I received this info from Leisha earlier and it's good news:

Yoli is doing good. Right now she is in recovery which will take about 6 weeks. The doctors and technicians love her, she has been such a good girl, she hasn't tried to bite anybody or even cry or yelp even though all the pain she has gone through. She knows people are trying to help her and she feels safe.

Article on Best Friends Network

Utah

Tragedy in Puerto Rico Spurs Action for Animals

October 17, 2007 : 10:40 PM

The companion animals of Puerto Rico need your help!

By Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Network

Last week, residents of some public housing developments in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico were threatened eviction if they did not relinquish their animals to authorities. They were informed that their cats and dogs were to be brought to the animal shelter. However, it was discovered that in reality their pets had been thrown off a 50-foot bridge and left to die. Most of the animals were killed from the fall, though others did survive, some with terrible injuries.

Barceloneta Mayor Sol Luis Fontanez states that the animals were seized in accordance with the law and that housing policy forbids pets in the residences. He blames the massacre on a contractor who had been hired to confiscate the pets. The contractor, Julio Diaz of Animal Control Solutions, denies responsibility.

Alma Febus, volunteer Investigator for Animal Cruelty, witnessed animals being taken during one of the seizures. She said she “saw people screaming, pleading and crying” and had initially thought it was a drug raid. “How can you take animals from these people, where the majority are handicapped or elderly.” She was shown the memo that had been given to the residents only five days before their pets were taken; threatening that their contracts would be terminated and they would be evicted. She said “I begged and pleaded with them to stop” and while she succeeded in halting the removal of any additional animals, the dogs that were already loaded in the vehicle were taken away. She attempted to make an incident report with the police, but they would not listen.

“I think this is clearly a horrible situation on so many levels,” says Julie Castle, Director of Community Programs and Services of Best Friends. “The Best Friends’ philosophy is that every animal deserves life or a shot at life. To hear that someone who is a representative of the government, either employed or via contract, is taking family pets out of the hands of children essentially cuts across everything that Best Friends purports.”

Local organizations making a difference for the animals
Animal welfare group, Save a Sato (sato is a slang term for street dog), is based out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. “It’s so horrendous, we really want to turn it into a watershed moment for the animals of the island” states Twig Mowatt of Save a Sato. She sadly admits that cruelty of this type is “happening everywhere on the island every day” and that “this is by far the worst place for animal abuse and overpopulation in the U.S.”

Their small shelter works with local rescuers and takes in many of the stray cats and dogs off the streets, nurses them to health, and helps to rehome them in the United States. They have a network of multiple no-kill animal shelters, primarily on the East Coast, who are in need of dogs to adopt. The street dogs from Puerto Rico are highly desirable, as they generally remain under 15-30 pounds. Mowatt says “We’ll do anything to get them off the island and into good homes.” They successfully find homes for about 1,500-2,000 dogs and 200 cats per year in this way.

While rescue is a big part of their effort, they realize the need to get to the root cause of the stray overpopulation problem on the island. In collaboration with The Humane Society of Puerto Rico, they offer a low-cost spay and neuter clinic for the public. In addition, they are working with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) on a humane animal treatment campaign. The advertisements will be in Spanish and will feature a message to halt animal abuse and promote spaying and neutering.


Save a Sato also works with the The Pegasus Foundation, promoting animal welfare in the Caribbean through tourism. Per the June 2002 Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA) report and recommendations to the Governor, “Stray Animal Problem in Puerto Rico,” it is estimated that Puerto Rico lost $15 million in tourism dollars from 1998-2000 due to the homeless animal crisis. According to the report, “Guests complain to our members that they are appalled by the number of debilitated stray animals, particularly dogs, cats and horses, roaming the island and the apparent lack of animal control programs.” Those visitors often do not return to the island for future vacations. To combat this, some resorts keep their guests within their confines to spare them from the sights; however, then the tourism dollars are not spent in the surrounding towns. It is hoped that the lure of revenue will urge action on behalf of the animals.

Another organization that is helping to make a difference in Puerto Rico is Amigos de los Animales (Friends of the Animals). Organization Director Elizabeth Kracht remarked on the recent massacre, “We are shocked, but we’re not surprised. We see this kind of behavior all the time.” Their organization rehabilitates and rehomes dogs, cats and horses. They have been particularly active in rescuing dogs from Yabucoa Beach, also known as “Dead Dog Beach,” due to the dumping and cruelty that occurs there regularly. In the past year, they have rescued over 200 dogs from just that one area. She states that “Puerto Rico has a lack of humane education and that includes our government officials.” Her hope is that the publicity caused by this tragedy will be an opportunity to further animal welfare on the island, now that the Puerto Rico state of affairs is known worldwide.

In fact, Amigos de los Animales was one of the many organizations that helped contribute to the just published book, Street Dogs by Traer Scott. The book features photographs of rescued dogs from Puerto Rico and Mexico and a portion of the proceeds go to help animal welfare organizations.

Manos por Patas (Hands for Paws) is working for changes through the implementation of spay/neuter services and education. Though they too rescue animals and transport them to shelters in the United States, organization President, Ginny Cornett realizes that is only the tip of the iceberg. “The silver lining is maybe that this will be the thing that mobilizes not just the rescue community, but also the regular public, to bring their attention to the culture of cruelty that exists in Puerto Rico.” Their organization has already held two sterilization “round ups” of the Yabucoa Beach dogs. They also wish to educate school children on both the legal and ethical reasons for compassionate treatment of animals.

Justice for the animals
Leisha Swayne, Cruelty Investigations Consultant for the RED de Protectores de Animales (The Animal Protectors Network), has been instrumental in making sure that this case will be properly prosecuted. Currently the Department of Housing, Department of Justice, Board of Veterinarians, and other agencies are all conducting investigations of the bridge incident. Swayne says she is “very satisfied with the way the government has acted.”


Swayne is also part of the Special Commission of the Animal Rights, a group that has formed to improve the current animal cruelty law in Puerto Rico. Currently, Law 67 (Protection of Animals) states that cruelty to animals is a misdemeanor and those found guilty are subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and/or incarceration up to six months. They are working on a draft to amend the current law that would make animal cruelty a felony and enact tougher penalties, which would be dependent upon the severity of abuse. Once completed, it will require lobbying to go through the normal legislative process.

Though Swayne says this case should be easy to prosecute due to the amount of publicity and money involved, animal cruelty cases in Puerto Rico are generally difficult. “The police agents are not trained and they don’t know the law actually exists. [It is] the same with prosecutors and judges.” This is where she comes in and assists with investigations by providing information about animals, looking for evidence of euthanasia, and the proper disposal of animals. While she refuses to “jinx” the outcome with a prediction of how this case will turn out, she says criminal charges should be pressed for each of the five cats and 75 dogs affected.

Unfortunately, lawyers have been approaching the residents offering their services. Swayne says that they are being reported to the Board of Attorneys for violating their code of ethics by “ambulance chasing.” Area welfare groups are also being contacted by lawyers; however, they are offering pro bono work to represent the residents whose civil rights have been violated. The plan is to assign one person as a point of contact to gather information for this side of the case.

“It’s a heinous crime, but this may be an opportunity in disguise and a time for all groups to work together.” Where previously there had been little organization between animal groups, currently all of island animal welfare agencies are cooperating and helping one another. In addition, she believes there is a possibility that the Department of Justice will move forward with investigation and prosecution of other instances of animal cruelty around the island. “I hope it will be the beginning of good changes for the animals of Puerto Rico.”

For more information:
• Save a Sato
• Amigos de los Animales
• Manos por Patas
• Some of the other animal welfare organizations working to help the strays in Puerto Rico include The Humane Society of Puerto Rico, El Faro de los Animales (The Animals’ Lighthouse), and Vieques Humane Society.

How you can help:
• Remember, Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. Abuse of strays is an ongoing problem throughout all of Puerto Rico. Please make your voice heard to Governor Aníbal Acevedo-Vilá let him know this is not acceptable and encourage change 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

Also, 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 can also let the government tourism agency know that you will boycott traveling to Puerto Rico until something is done to protect the animals.
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

• There is a protest march scheduled on behalf of justice for the animals in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Wednesday, October 17. It will start at Luis Munoz Rivera Park in front of the Supreme Court building and will end at the Capitol and participants are asked to wear a white shirt and a white ribbon. For more information, see the Pet ID website or call 939-717-4494.
• Donations are needed to help cover the veterinary expenses for the animals who survived the fall. Save a Sato has already paid for the care of Yoli, who has undergone surgery and medical treatment costing $1,600. Donations are being accepted to pay for her, and the other injured animals’, care. Please note that the donation is to be utilized for the veterinary expenses of the wounded animals.
• Support organizations like those listed above and help them continue their life saving work. You do not need to be in Puerto Rico to help. Individuals can volunteer remotely. Also, if you live on the East Coast of the United States and are planning a trip to Puerto Rico, please contact Save a Sato to see how you can help save a life by bringing a cat or dog on your flight back to America.

Photo credit (all photos reprinted with permission by Save a Sato):
Lead Photo: Gloria Marti, Save a Sato Shelter Manager, holding one of their rescues, taken by Heather Bohm-Tallman.
Photo #2: Juanita, one of Save a Sato’s rescued dogs, as she is getting vaccinated, taken by Heather Bohm-Tallman.
Photo #3: Juanita is now happily rehomed and loving life with her new family.
Photo #4: Twig Mowatt, of Save a Sato, posing with her first rescue, Rico.
Photo #5: Leisha Swayne, pictured with Yoli, one of the dogs who survived the fall.

http://network.bestfriends.org/utah/news/19854.html

News on Wednesday's march in San Juan

Fury Spreads in Puerto Rico Pet Massacre

By YAISHA VARGAS – 12 hours ago

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The fury over the massacre of dozens of seized dogs and cats in Puerto Rico has gone global.

Thousands of people from Puerto Rico and around the world have signed an online petition calling on the governor of the U.S. Caribbean territory to ensure those who hurled some 80 pets off a highway bridge last week are brought to justice.

Nadia Donato, a 39-year-old New Yorker, said Wednesday an Associated Press story that appeared Friday about the slaughter of the dogs and cats drove her to tears — and to launch the petition drive.

A local activist will deliver the list of names and messages to Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila's residence in San Juan during a demonstration on Sunday, Donato said.

The petition's Web site lists more than 6,000 signatures. Many who signed are from Puerto Rico, but signatures also appear from such far-flung countries as Finland, Argentina, Malaysia and Australia.

"I sincerely feel very furious," Zariely Marie Arroyo Cintron of Puerto Rico, signer number 5,839, wrote to the governor. "Please investigate and do justice. These people don't deserve to be called Puerto Rican."

Julio Diaz, owner of the company that was hired by the town of Barceloneta to remove dogs and cats from three housing projects, has denied his employees flung the 50 pets and 30 strays from the bridge west of San Juan last week. Barceloneta officials said their role in the handling of the animals ended once they were loaded into vehicles of the company, Animal Control Solutions.

Police are investigating. Puerto Rico police chief Pedro Toledo has said those responsible could face cruelty charges that carry six-month to three-year prison terms.

About 100 protesters, some accompanied by their pets, marched in front of Puerto Rico's legislature Wednesday to urge strengthening of animal-protection laws. They placed a flower arrangement in front of the capitol building along with three toy stuffed dogs, to represent the animals killed last week.

"We are here because this is where the laws and the projects come from that will benefit the animals," said Miguel Alameda, an animal welfare activist.

On the Net:

• Petition drive: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/puerto-rico-pet-massacre

Posting from Liz with Amigos de los Animales

Hi Folks!

Please hold off on barraging PR Tourism with letters
if possible. They are actually going to work with
rescue organizations and are now 100% behind all of
our efforts. If anything, please send letters of
praise for their being the first agency willing to
take a stand for animal welfare on the island. We
need to foster this relationship and don't want it to
be volatile. We are right in the middle of
discussions and any negativity might be damaging to
the amazing opportunities that have come from the
tragic situation in Barceloneta and other places on
the island. I'll keep you posted.

Sincerely,
Liz
Amigos de los Animales

Two more are slated for rescue

Bart was rescued today and Byron will be picked up tomorrow.

Responses from Terrestrella Gonzalez

These are some responses received by rescuers who wrote to Terestrella Gonzalez (the Director of the PRHTA) about the horrible incident last week. I'll let you decipher the intent.

1:
I agree, with you and I will be doing everything in my power to work on this matter. My reponsibility is to promote our Island and it's people. I think our society don't deserve to get such an estigma. We need to do everything we can to educate our society on this matter. We will be coordinating an interaency meeting first to develop an awareness campaign and to discuss an action plan to begin resolving this matter..

When I mentioned that this case is an isolated one is because the way it was done (involving a consultant and a municipality).

The Government of PR will do everything in their power to condemn this action, I can assure you that.

Thanks for your concerns. I will keep you updated with our plans.

2:
Thanks for your letter. We feel outrage the same as you when we hear of this type of news, the same thing when we hear of serial killers in the U.S. killing innocent people, the same when we hear of football players enjoying as a hobby dog fights and later on electrocuting them.

When I mentioned that this case is an isolated one is because the way it was done (involving a consultant and a municipality).

The Government of PR will do everything in their power to condemn this action, I can assure you that.

But with a personal note, I understand If you cancel your trip to PR, but I can not accept statements that condemns a whole society and tolerate such a lack of respect toward our Island.

Why condemn a whole society when is precisely the puertorican society that feel outrage with this killing of innocent animals? The same as we feel outrage when we hear on a daily basis the hundreds of childrens taken by predators in all states of the US Nation.

But I don't condemn you nor your society, I despise the actions and feel that if the press is highlighting this news the government of US will take some actions toward resolving this issues.

Puerto Rico's Government will take this people to court to pay for their inhumane action.

I will keep you updated.

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.

Lord Byron needs a sponsor

This one was love at first site for me. This is Byron and he's a beautiful, sweet German Shepherd who is at the beach. We want to take him off and into an adoptive home but have so many dogs on our tab right now that I can't commit more $$ that just isn't there. If anyone can sponsor him, please let me know so we can get him to safety.