• The problem of stray and unwanted animals is by no means exclusive to Puerto Rico and along with many other "quality of life" issues has been virtually ignored for decades. While there are many aspects to this relatively complex problem, the Foundation, in keeping with its objectives, chose to seek ways to recover unwanted, abandoned pet animals of canine, feline and equine varietv, so as to provide measures for their adoption and reduce the euthanasia rates currently associated with this problem. The objective is considered by the Foundation to have merit because of its impact on the well-being of domestic animals, the avoidance of unnecessary health risks and the image a relatively stray-free environment can provide for residents and visitors alike. To accomplish this goal, the Foundation has realized the need to address other issues that form part of the basis for which the problem of abandoned and stray animals exists. These issues include the lack of value placed on animals by a society overly focused on consumerism, the failure to recognize that in an increasingly urban environment, ownership of domestic animals carries increased responsibility and requires a certain measure of regulated control; the uncontrolled and unregulated propagation of domestic animals, often for profit, which invariably leads to abandonment of a certain percentage; the lack of focus and assignation of adequate resources by government to address this issue; and finally the failure to realize the nature of the problem of abandoned domestic animals and the consequences this promises. It Is clear that to accomplish its goal, the Foundation must place a tremendous emphasis on education While not an Immediate Solution, education will in the long run bring understanding and caring which will reduce the problem's dmensions from its roots and engender the individual discipline so necessary in a democratic society. This must however be coupled with strong legislation to foster discipline at the societal level and an adequate and accessible infrastructure staffed by adequately trained professionals at an affordable price The Foundation cannot deal with all these issues bv itself or in a vacuum and therefore must work in an environment of cooperative participation with civic and governmental organizations equally convinced of the problem and the solutions available. As a primary step to lead to an appropriate working environment, the Foundation believes it necessary to build a positive awareness among all participatory organizations as well as the populace in general. It believes that awareness of the problem is half the battle because unless someone knows they don't have something, there is little incentive to desire it. In turn, this will lead to positive discussions for solutions, the assignation of adequate resources to implement the solutions and the appropriate distribution of responsibilities. The Foundation does not adhere to concepts of criticism for the sake of same. It believes in recognizing achievements, no matter how small, building on those achievements in a positive manner to reach a level of acceptability by international standards. However, often, it is necessary to point out weaknesses in existing institutions in order to implement corrective measures. Thus, the Foundation shall at all times accompany any discussion of weaknesses with proposals for positive reenfocement and practical change. To provide a meaningful environment in which all parties can work for a resolution to the problem, it is imperative that they seek common gounds for a cooperative approach. This implies that the current situation of disparate and fragmented organizations with little credibility in the public mind resolve to combine in a united effort with common goals. Petty personal objectives and the unwillingness to share scattered resources will only further alienate the public, the government and other entities necessary for the final objectives to be attained. Toward this end, the Foundation shall attempt to serve as a catalyst and attempt to provide an open forum where intelligent discussion can be fostered, out of which a mutually agreeable plan for positive and practical solutions and implementation strategies can be developed. It is not the intention of the Foundation to take the lead in resolving the domestic animal related problems in Puerto Rico, rather the Foundation expects to see a consensus achieved that will lead to the formation of an entity that can provide the necessary leadership and obtain a significant level of credibility within the community which will provide the basis for a resolution in time of the pressing domestic animal related problems confronting our society in Puerto Rico today.

• The above picture was taken on Sunday, 24 August 1997 and published in the local english language newspaper on 25 August. The scene shows three cadavers of dogs hit by cars on the main road connecting the airport and tourism areas to the downtown areas of San Juan, the Capitol of Puerto Rico. The dogs had been hit on Saturday and despite repeated pleas to clean things up, the City had failed to take any action. This is a clear example of the problem that strays cause and the total inability for authorities to react given the lack of an adequate infrastructure and organizational ability. The CRF proposed plan detailed elsewhere on this site would have precluded this gruesome scene from having to greet tourists, school children, and residents on too many occasions.

• It is estimated that in 1997 approximately 40,000 stray animals were processed through the 7 Animal Shelters with San Juan claiming to have received 17,000 and Caguas just over 10,000. By 1999, this number was documented to be just under 50,000. However, strays can be seen everywhere and little is really being done to solve the problem in an organized way. In 1996, the Governor established a Blue Ribbon Committee to study the problem and make recommendations. However, no-one involved in the practical aspects of animal control is on the Committee so the results of its work were met with a great deal of skepticism. In fact, the Panel  only met twice. There are probably at least 50,000 stray animals wandering the streets of Puerto Rico at any one time. In one landfill, it is claimed that there are 500 stray dogs alone. Rabies is a problem in Puerto Rico though government officials deny it. Without a bite report required, however, there is little likelyhood of ever getting an accurate record of rabies incidences. Whatever the Government of Puerto Rico would like to think, the stray animal problem in P.R. is of huge proportions and despite many complaints from visiting tourists and animal organizations both in P.R. and the continental U.S., little has been done. PETA and the US Humane Society as well as the AHA have covered this issue. In 1997, the International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR) held a protest march in front of the Puerto Rico Tourism Office at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan to highlight their complaints. No doubt more bad publicity will be forthcoming before action by the Government results in adequate funding and importance for this issue. And this came at a time when Puerto Rico was spending $200 million to advertise itself as a tourism destination in competition with many other places not to mention having tried to position itself as a desirable setting for the Olympics of 2004. For an in-depth look at the problems and some of the efforts being done by concerned groups, visit the website of:

• SAVE-A-SATO

• Education and Awareness

Programs for creating public awareness about animal welfare in Puerto Rico

• Legislation and Enforcement

Information regarding existing laws and enforcement efforts

• Emergency Assistance

Efforts to help in times of disaster to provide for animal welfare

• Coordination and Support

Projects such as holding Forums, develop Action Plans, create working committees

• Spay Neuter Clinics

Programs to initiate high volume, low cost vet clinics and mobile units

• Fund Raising

Ideas on how to raise funds to undertake animal welfare improvement activities