Abandonment leads to Hit & Run. This puppy along with more than 10 others was abandoned. 2 days later, we were forced to deal with the tragedy. Under Law 154 these are crimes of both abandonment and also hit & run (since the driver did nothing about it).
Do you know that mistreating an animal in any way is a crime in Puerto Rico? Law 154 for the Protection and Welfare of Animals in Puerto Rico outlines criteria that can send you to prison, or fine you in the thousands.
Click the table below for a summary of offenses and the penalties they require.
Please do not assume Law 154 is ONLY FOR “criminals” like the ones who massacred animals in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, those who promote dog fights, or those who would hack a stray kitten in half with a machete as punishment for raiding the wrong trash can.
As a pet owner and resident or visitor of Puerto Rico, this law also pertains to you. Puerto Rico is developing a very bad image within the International community regarding its treatment of animals. When this happens, you can bet the Free State government will take a greater interest. Law 154 is a reflection of that recognition of the need for change.
Remember: The image of Puerto Rico is a secondary concern. Our main priority has to be the animals.
- Please make sure that you are in compliance with the law. As a pet owner your checklist should include ensuring your dog has seen a vet for vaccinations & preventative treatments; it is getting adequate treatment for any injuries, has a shelter in which to live and move freely out of the sun, and has food & water provided every day.
- Nobody should every consider abusing an animal or leaving one dead or injured on the side of the road when an accident occurs.
- Nobody should ever abandon an animal without making arrangements for transport to a shelter or a new adoptive/foster family.
If you love your pet, please make sure that you take care of it to the best of your ability and in compliance with the law.
For non-pet owners or pet owners who would ever consider abusing an animal, be aware that people are watching, and Law 154 offenses are no joke, unless you believe prison time or fines of thousands of dollars are a laughing matter.
Summary of Law 154's Violations, Sentences, & Fines. Click image to enlarge.
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Yes. The Law seems to provide adequate punishment for the offender. However, this is just the beginning. Judicial culture must change accordingly, to make it effective. In Puerto Rico nobody has ever made jail time for viciously killing an animal. Let’s not forget the Chinese cook who whacked with a thick stick a dog at the parking lot of his Chinese food restaurant, who was charged with a felony, and ended in a plea bargain in probation with not even community service imposed, or fines imposed by the Aibonito Court.
There is still a lot of work to be done to have the Law enforced as intended by the Legislature.