Animal advocates (both individuals and organizations) consistently face issues of standing when advocating for animal protection and better welfare. Only the government can enforce most statutes that protect animals against cruelty. Another obstacle animal advocates face are the costs associated with filing lawsuit when monetary compensation is negligible or nonexistent. In many circumstances, such as …
Continue reading “When False Claims by Government Contractors is Animal Cruelty”
In 2022, after a decade of receiving multiple complaints from Puerto Rican citizens about animal cruelty and neglect, the municipality of Ponce canceled its agreement with government contractor Animal Rescue and Protection Services (“ARPS”). ARPS operated the animal shelter in Calle Baramaya, in the municipality of Ponce. A 2021 audit by the mayor’s office showed …
Continue reading “Government Responsibility for Domestic Animal Control”
For over two years, Puerto Rico has considered domestic and domesticated animals as “sentient beings,” and not objects or property. According to our Civil Code of 2020, we must treat these animals according to their nature. We must consider their well-being and physical security in decisions on their guardianship and care. Certain steps are to …
Para Español On December 20, 2018, the federal government amended the Animal Welfare Act to ban cockfighting in Puerto Rico and the entire United States. Cockfighting enthusiasts, and Puerto Rico’s government, responded by challenging the ban in federal court. Puerto Rico legislature also enacted a law to further regulate the sport in spite of the …
Continue reading “Cockfighting conflicts with animal protection in Puerto Rico”
