Inmate Rosalina Lopez holds Tito, a formerly stray dog she is training in a program that prepares strays for adoption, at the Vega Alta women's prison in Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008. Inmates and prison officials say the stray dog training program has therapeutic value for the prisoners.
(AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
Puerto Rico activists push new pet law
Inmate Rosalina Lopez holds Tito, a formerly stray dog she is training in a program that prepares strays for adoption, at the Vega Alta women's prison in Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008. Inmates and prison officials say the stray dog training program has therapeutic value for the prisoners.
(AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico—Animal advocates in Puerto Rico said they are proposing lawmakers adopt stiffer penalties for abusing or abandoning animals.
The U.S. Caribbean territory became the target of international criticism after dozens of dogs were seized from housing projects and hurled to their deaths from a bridge late last year.
The proposal due in coming days would levy heavy fines, increase jail time and allow authorities to confiscate the property of alleged abusers, said Hector Ivan Diaz, president of Puerto Rico Animal Savers, on Saturday. He declined to provide any further details.
A current law protecting animals is rarely enforced, and the government has pledged to improve treatment. Police are now training peers to pursue animal abuse complaints -- one of several changes introduced after the dogs were found dead below the 50-foot bridge.
The owner of an animal control company and two of his employees were charged with animal cruelty in the case, but deny involvement. A judge will soon decide if prosecutors have enough evidence against them for trial.
An investigation by The Associated Press has since showed that thousands of animals have been killed with inhumane methods on the island.
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