Global News - October 2007

< Back to Global News

Puerto Rican pet lovers increase protests over alleged killings

Tue 23 October 2007 16:00 UK — South America,Domestic Animals

News brought to you by International Animal Rescue, leaders in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

Hundreds of protestors have gathered in Puerto Rico to campaign against alleged cruelty to local domestic animals.

The residents gathered in the north-western town of Barceloneta to voice their displeasure over a reported "pet massacre" which took place earlier this month. Reuters reports that a crowd of 500 protestors have now gathered in the town.

Some brough their own pets with them and others wore clothing with slogans such as "I'm a animal lover".

Last week, it was reported that authorities carried out raids between October 8th and October 10th which saw 80 pets removed from their homes at three public housing projects in the town.

Residents claim that the animals were drugged and killed by the authorities and that some were even thrown from a 15-metre bridge outside the town.

According to earlier reports, the town's mayor, Sol Luis Fontanes, ordered the raid after instituting a no-pet policy at the projects. However, commonwealth and federal housing officials have said that they had no such rules in place.

Now, 45 residents filed a US$22.5 million federal lawsuit against the town and others involved.

Help IAR care for stray dogs and cats and other animals in distress.

< Back to Global News   |   Read IAR News

Read IAR News >