SAN JOSE, Costa Rica—This month, Humane Society International/Latin America provided advanced training to Costa Rican government authorities and other animal welfare institutions to enhance their capacity to combat illegal dog fighting and cockfighting. The two-day educational session engaged more than 50 representatives from Costa Rican agencies and organizations including, but not limited to, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) and the National Animal Health Service (SENASA).
The training addressed issues such as the link between animal cruelty and human violence; the regulatory framework concerning animal fighting in Costa Rica, and the connection of animal fighting to other illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and organized crime. Other specialized training covered investigative techniques and evidence gathering for cases involving organized dog fights and cockfights.
Andrea Borel, executive director of HSI/Latin America, said: “With this training, we are pleased to empower local authorities to investigate and prosecute these illegal and cruel instances of animal fighting in Costa Rica. Abusing animals for human entertainment has no place in our society.”
Cockfighting is a bloody practice in which two or more birds bred specifically for fighting are placed in a ring or “cockpit” for the sole purpose of fighting for human entertainment and gambling. Dogfighting is also an illegal and extremely cruel activity, in which dogs are bred, conditioned and trained to fight for the same purposes.
These fights usually result in the death of one or both animals involved. Those animals who do not die suffer terribly from their injuries and from not receiving treatment. Dogs are sometimes killed by their owners via the most horrible methods. Both types of animal fights often co-occur with other illegal activities, including drug, arms and human trafficking.
In Costa Rica, the Penal Code (Article 279) punishes, with sentences of three months to one year in prison, anyone who organizes, encourages or carries out fights between animals of any species, without exceptions in the national territory.
The release is part of a joint project between NGOs Asociacion Rescate y Conservacion de Vida Silvestre (ARCAS) and Humane Society International/Latin America
Humane Society International / Latin America
Rodrigo Pop/Images for HSI Latin America
PETEN, Guatemala—Thirty-six wild animals, who were rescued from adverse situations including the illegal pet trade, returned to their natural habitat in the Peten jungle, Guatemala, thanks to the joint work of non-governmental organizations Asociacion Rescate y Conservacion de Vida Silvestre (known as ARCAS) and Humane Society International/Latin America.
Six coatis, eight chachalaca birds, seven opossums, five pygmy owls, three kinkajous and two gray falcons, among others, were released in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, after undergoing an intense rehabilitation process, and with the authorization of the Guatemalan National Council of Protected Areas or CONAP.
Many of these wild animals were illegally removed from their wild habitat to be used as pets. For example, a rescued woolly opossum, whose fur changed color (from brown to almost completely white) because of the inappropriate food provided by the local family that kept him.
Fernando Martinez, director of ARCAS Peten, said: “After carefully monitoring the opossum’s diet and keeping them away from human contact, the fur returned to its natural color and the animal no longer sought human interaction. We also released a white falcon who came to the rescue center with damaged feathers and a leg injury, as it had apparently been tied up for a few days. After treating the wound, its feathers regenerated and the bird once again had the appropriate plumage to fly and return to freedom.”
Andrea Borel, executive director of Humane Society International/Latin America said: “The capture of wild animals for the national and international pet trade is a real problem in Guatemala. These animals are often kept in cramped, inadequate conditions not suitable for their species and denied the ability to exhibit their natural behaviors which can further cause them physical and psychological distress.”
“By supporting and working with our local partner, ARCAS, in rescue, rehabilitation and release efforts, these animals are being returned to freedom and their wild populations are being increased to ensure future breeding in their natural habitat where they belong. We also work together on raising awareness to urge citizens not to buy wild animals as pets and to report any such suspicious activity to the authorities.”
ARCAS carries out the physical, medical and behavioral rehabilitation of victims of wildlife trafficking and exploitative human activities, under strict animal welfare standards. HSI/Latin America and ARCAS have been working together in wildlife protection and conservation in Guatemala since 2007.
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Media contact: Wendy Higgins, HSI’s director of international media: whiggins@hsi.org
Humane Society International / Mexico
Osvaldo Olguin/HSI
MEXICO CITY—Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a cherished Mexican tradition that celebrates and honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. HSI/Mexico recognizes the importance of extending this tradition to include the remembrance of animals, who in their own right are often treated as cherished members of our families and communities.
The traditional ofrendas, or altars, take place every year at the museum and cultural house Casa Fuerte del Indio Fernández. This iconic house belonged to the well-known Mexican film actor Emilio “El Indio Fernandez” who reportedly posed for the iconic Oscar statuette of the Academy Award of Merit.
This year, visitors will be able to pay their respects, reflect on the important role animals play in our lives and learn about HSI/Mexico’s dedication to animal welfare. The ofrenda is also an opportunity to share plant-based recipes that people can prepare in honor of their lost loved ones, based on Mexico’s rich culinary tradition.
It is also an opportunity to highlight HSI/Mexico’s recent activities, including helping thousands of animals in response to the devastation caused by hurricanes Otis and John in Guerrero, as well as advancing an amendment to enshrine animal protection in the federal constitution, and highlighting the launch of a new pilot project in Aguascalientes to provide vet care and humane education in underserved communities.
Pamela Reséndiz, HSI/Mexico food and nutrition manager, said: “Ofrendas are a key part of Dia de Muertos, providing an opportunity to think of your loved ones who have passed. We celebrate their life and the love and joy they brought and keep bringing us. Instead of this being a sad holiday, it’s actually a very nice way to celebrate them, and keep their memory alive.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to include the names of their companion animals to be a part of this important homage and celebrate the love towards these important family members during this holiday.
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Media contact: Magaly Garibay: +52 5538762199: mgaribay@idee.agency
Humane Society International / Latin America
Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert/Alamy
LIMA, Peru—Attempts to bring back commercial whaling both directly and under the guise of food security have both failed at the 69th International Whaling Commission meeting in Peru this week, to the relief of animal protection and conservation non-profits including Humane Society International.
The draft resolution on food security had been submitted by the Republic of Guinea and co-sponsored by Cambodia, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, Senegal and St. Kitts and Nevis, close allies of Japan which has sought to scrap the moratorium since it was first adopted in 1982. However, realising that they would have lost if put to a vote, the proponents withdraw it instead. They will work on it intersessionally before the next IWC meeting in Australia in 2026.
Dr Madison Miketa, wildlife scientist at Humane Society International, said: “While we are glad this proposal has been withdrawn, we don’t believe it should return in the future because the IWC is not the appropriate venue for addressing food security concerns. This proposal was never about food security; the nations that put forward this proposal have no history or cultural traditions of eating whale meat. In fact, 110 signatories from West and Central Africa (the region of the majority of proponents of this proposal) condemned the proposal and state that whale meat consumption doesn’t contribute to food security in their region. This proposal was about being a good ally to pro-whaling Japan which has continually attempted to erode the ban on commercial whaling.
“Whales are worth far more alive than dead and are critically important for healthy, productive oceans. For communities reliant on eco-tourism and whale watching income, or those dependent on healthy fish stocks, the presence of abundant whale populations is a lifeline. Furthermore, killing these long-lived, slow reproducing animals who are also impacted by myriad human-caused threats such as climate change, pollution and fisheries bycatch, would do nothing to ameliorate food insecurity. Not to mention that whale meat and blubber are often contaminated with high levels of pollutants and heavy metals such as mercury and PCBs, making them unsafe for human consumption.”
Since the ban on commercial whaling was implemented in 1986, the majority of nations that were previously engaged in commercial whaling have successfully transitioned to whale watching, which depends on healthy whale populations. Not only have they not suffered economic or nutritional distress as a result, but protecting whales, rather than killing them, delivers far better economic, social and environmental benefits to local communities.
Also withdrawn was a proposal aimed at undermining the more than 40-year-old ban on commercial whale killing. The draft resolution had been submitted by Antigua and Barbuda and co-sponsored by St. Lucia, close allies of Japan which has sought to scrap the moratorium since it was first adopted in 1982. These two countries supported Japan’s pro-whaling agenda when it was an IWC member, and although Japan withdrew from the IWC in 2019, it continues to project its pro-whaling influence via its allies.
Grettel Delgadillo, deputy director of Humane Society International/Latin America says: “We are relieved that the dark and dangerous resolution to resume commercial whaling was withdrawn and can no longer take up precious time here at IWC. Lead proponents Antigua & Barbuda with the support of St Lucia, chose withdrawal over inevitable defeat on the floor once they realised the majority of nations gathered would not support their attempts to dismantle the global moratorium. But for this twin-nation state to so persistently pursue a pro-whaling agenda despite having no dietary, cultural, economic or historical connection with whaling or whale meat, demonstrates how Japan continues to influence IWC despite no longer being a member. The global moratorium on whaling has spared the lives of hundreds of thousands of cetaceans and been instrumental in pulling many species back from the brink of extinction. Commercial whaling is unethical, unsustainable and unnecessary. Whales face myriad threats from commercial hunting, fisheries bycatch, noise and plastic pollution, ship strikes and the urgent climate crisis. They need the moratorium and the IWC now more than ever.”
HSI’s whale experts at the IWC meeting are available for interviews.
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Media contact: Wendy Higgins, Director of International Media, whiggins@hsi.org
Humane Society International / Latin America
Vanessa Mignon
LIMA, Peru—Delegates from Humane Society International attending the 69th International Whaling Commission meeting in Peru, expressed bitter disappointment today that pro-whaling nations have once again voted against the creation of a whale sanctuary in the South Atlantic. The votes were 40 in favour, 14 opposed with 3 abstentions, therefore failing by just one or two votes to achieve the three quarters majority needed.
The proposal by Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay has been put forward at successive IWC meetings for the past 26 years—it was first proposed in 1998 by the government of Brazil, during the 50th IWC meeting held in Oman. If successful, the sanctuary would have would have banned any commercial hunting of cetaceans within its waters, extending from the East coasts of Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina across to Western Africa and abutting the Southern Ocean Sanctuary that was established in 1994.
Grettel Delgadillo, deputy director of Humane Society International/Latin America, said: “It’s a bitter disappointment that the proposal for a South Atlantic whale sanctuary has yet again been narrowly defeated by nations with a vested interest in killing whales for profit. There was no legitimate reason to block this proposal except for vain self-interest. For the past 26 years, nations in the region have battled to create a safe haven sanctuary in their waters for whales who face continued threats from commercial whaling, entanglement in fishing gear, marine pollution, ship strikes and climate change. Some whale populations are also still struggling to recover following decades of commercial whaling in the twentieth century. It is a tragedy that once again the whales have lost the chance of a protection they need more than ever.”
Almost half of the world’s known species, subspecies and subpopulations of cetaceans, are listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable. Species such as humpbacks, southern right whales and more inhabit the southern Atlantic, and these populations are still recovering from decimation due to intensive commercial whaling of previous centuries. It is crucial that the sanctuary is established to ensure that these whale species recover and thrive.
Despite this setback, whale-friendly nations voted by a resounding majority to accept a resolution proposal to reaffirm the global ban on commercial whale killing. The draft resolution was submitted by the European Union with 37 yes votes, 12 no votes and 8 abstentions.
Delgadillo said: “The EU tabled this compassionate and conservation-minded proposal to remind countries of their legal obligations pertaining to commercial whaling. Considering the persistent attempts by pro-whaling nations to dismantle the 40-year-old ban, the message behind this proposal is much needed. Thanks to the moratorium, the lives of hundreds of thousands of whales will have been saved and many species brought back from the brink of extinction. Commercial whaling is unethical, unsustainable and unnecessary so we welcome the passing of this proposal as a signal to all nations that the world must continue to save the whales.”
The global moratorium on commercial whaling was agreed to in 1982 and implemented from 1986 onwards because the high number of whales being killed was threatening the survival of whale populations. The moratorium is widely considered to be one of the most major conservation successes of our time. It has likely prevented the killing of tens or even hundreds of thousands of whales, blocked the expansion of commercial whaling for decades and allowed some whale populations to recover from cruel and unsustainable mass slaughter.
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Media contact: Wendy Higgins, Director of International Media, whiggins@hsi.org
Tortuguero aims to become Costa Rica’s first animal-friendly community with the support of Humane Society International
Humane Society International / Latin America
Andrea Induni/HSI
TORTUGUERO, Costa Rica—As part of a pilot project by Humane Society International to make Tortuguero, in Limon province, an animal-friendly community, 64 dogs and 19 cats received free preventive care during a two-day veterinary clinic. Tortuguero is a rural, isolated community in Costa Rica where access to veterinary care is limited.
During the clinic, a team of veterinary professionals provided free medical examinations, vaccinations, deworming, blood tests and other preventive care services for Tortuguero’s animals. A total of 83 companion animals received care at no cost, including 30 from the neighboring community of San Francisco, who were brought over by boat. Pet owners also learned about the impact companion animals can have on local wildlife and vice versa.
“The first phase of the program involved engaging with the community of Tortuguero to understand their concerns pertaining to animals. After understanding the community’s needs, we organized the program’s very first outreach clinic, and identified local individuals eager to champion animal welfare efforts. These ‘Animal Ambassadors’ will receive ongoing training and resources to develop, implement and sustain these activities over time,” Andrea Borel, executive director for HSI/Latin America explained.
One of those ambassadors, Víctor Barrantes, brought his two cats, Menguito and Frescolino, to the clinic for vaccinations and deworming. Victor rescued Menguito after finding him abandoned in a box and adopted Frescolino when the cat began visiting his yard searching for food. Victor says that caring for them has given him a new appreciation for animal welfare.
“I want Tortuguero to have a population of healthy pets who receive proper care, stay indoors and don’t disrupt the beach by digging into the turtles’ nests, With the Animal Ambassadors’ group, I believe we can gradually raise awareness and encourage people to treat pets as members of the family, as they should be,” Barrantes said.
Daneysha Rankin, a 16-year-old girl resident, also visited the clinic with her mother and her dog, Chopper, to ensure he received proper care: “I think it is very important to take responsibility for our pets. Today’s youth are consumed by technology―they prefer robot dogs over real ones. We need to change that mindset and appreciate the living beings around us. Sometimes we pay more attention to TikTok than to the animals that are always by our side,” she shared.
This pilot project has been developed in close collaboration with the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC–MINAE), the Tortuguero National Park, the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), the School of Veterinary Medicine of the National University, the National Commission for Biodiversity Management (CONAGEBIO-MINAE), ASVO Costa Rica, the Tortuguero Environmental Committee, and Sea Turtle Conservancy, among others.
Nineteen scarlet macaws, victims of illegal trafficking, returned to their habitat thanks to wildlife protection and conservation organizations
Humane Society International / Latin America
ARCAS
PETEN, Guatemala―Once the transport cages were opened, a multicolored plumage again adorned the jungle in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, in Guatemala. Nineteen scarlet macaws (Ara macao cyanoptera), an emblematic species in the Central American region, returned to their natural habitat, after having been rescued and confiscated from illegal wildlife trafficking.
While the scarlet macaw is currently classified as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, several countries throughout Central and South American list the species as under greater threat. Researchers estimate there are between 150 and 200 scarlet macaws remaining in Guatemala, where they are listed as threatened. The northern subspecies is considered in danger of extinction in Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and Panama; a species of concern in Honduras; and protected from take in Nicaragua. Rainforest habitat loss and wild capture and exploitation for the illegal pet trade are the main threats to this species. Snatched from their nests in the wild, these birds can be trafficked for hundreds of dollars each to countries around the world including the United States, where the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service lists scarlet macaws as threatened.
The release of these threatened and colorful birds was the result of joint work by non-governmental, non-profit organizations, Asociacion Rescate y Conservacion de Vida Silvestre (known as ARCAS) and Humane Society International/Latin America, with the support of the Luis Von Ahn Foundation and Defensores de la Naturaleza, as well as the National Council of Protected Areas, known as CONAP.
All of the released macaws were victims of illegal wildlife trafficking. While most were hatched at ARCAS’s Wildlife Rescue Centre from parent birds rescued from the wildlife trade, two were confiscated directly by the authorities. Fernando Martinez, director of ARCAS Petén, explains: “The two confiscated juveniles were kept in boxes and were destined for the illegal pet trade. Since they arrived at the rescue center when they were young, they had the opportunity to join the rest of the group and return to the habitat from which they were extracted.”
“Through our rehabilitation process, all nineteen young birds have learned the skills necessary to live free and increase the wild population of macaws in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve.”
Andrea Borel, executive director of HSI/Latin America, said: “Illegal wildlife trafficking in Guatemala poses a major threat to endangered species such as macaws, as traffickers remove chicks from their nests to sell as pets. Such trafficking puts a price tag on these species, leading to unsustainable population declines. In addition to further threats from habitat loss, this illegal activity causes suffering and distress to the birds who are stolen from the wild and smuggled long distances to be sold on the black market for the pet trade. That is why, since 2007, HSI/Latin America has been working with our local partner, ARCAS, on wildlife protection and conservation in Guatemala.”
The release of the macaws to their natural habitat was facilitated by members of the non-governmental organizations listed above, under the supervision of CONAP. The released birds will be observed and monitored for 15 days to track their progress.
Thanks to the joint work of animal welfare organizations, 41 parrots return to their natural habitat
Humane Society International / Latin America
HSI
PETEN, Guatemala—A group of 41 parrots of different species (Amazona autumnalis and Amazona alfibrons), iconic in the Latin American region, were released in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve after they were rescued and confiscated from illegal wildlife trafficking.
The release of these birds into their natural habitat was the result of the joint work of animal welfare nonprofit organizations, Asociacion Rescate y Conservacion de Vida Silvestre and Humane Society International/Latin America, who have worked together since 2007 to protect wildlife in Guatemala.
Most of the parrots were seized in 2021 by the authorities while they were being held captive in wooden boxes in a hotel in Flores, Peten. The rest of the group was brought to ARCAS after a series of rescues throughout the rest of 2021 and, after their quarantine period, they all joined the initial group and have progressed together in their rehabilitation process.
Andrea Borel, executive director of HSI/Latin America, explained that negative interactions between people and wildlife, as well as illegal trafficking of wild birds such as parrots, are becoming more common in the region.
“The capture of wild animals for the national and international pet trade is a real problem in Guatemala. These animals are often kept in cramped, inadequate conditions and denied the ability to exhibit their natural behaviors, which can further cause them physical and psychological distress,” Borel said.
Borel continued: “By supporting and working with our local partner, ARCAS, this rescue, rehabilitation and release program is giving these birds back their freedom as well as increasing their wild populations to ensure future breeding in their natural forest habitat where they belong. We also work together on raising awareness and urging citizens not to buy products from wildlife and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.”
Fernando Martinez, ARCAS director, said, “In our Rescue Center, the animals’ physical, medical and ethological rehabilitation is carried out under strict standards and in compliance with protocols for the different species that are brought in, as a result of illegal trafficking or negative interactions with human beings, to later be released into the Mayan Biosphere Reserve.”
Martinez continued: “Our mission is to protect wildlife and, with these parrots’ release, we contribute to maintaining genetic diversity and thus ensure the survival of the species. These birds will be monitored for 15 days, through direct observation methods on previously designed platforms and trails.”
ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center and HSI staff facilitated the parrots’ release in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve. under the supervision of the governmental National Council of Protected Areas, or CONAP.
This is a great victory against cruel blood spectacles, says Humane Society International/Latin America
Humane Society International / Latin America
Heather Severt/The HSUS
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has rejected a complaint against Costa Rica for banning cockfights, in what animal protection organization Humane Society International called a great victory against animal fighting.
The complaint was presented by the National Association of Cockfighting Breeders in 2017, challenging the prohibition of cock breeding and fighting established in Costa Rican Animal Welfare Law, by alleging that they are a “cultural tradition” and a “human right”.
However, the Commission concluded that banning cockfights “pursues a legitimate purpose, which is the protection of the right to a healthy environment and the protection of fauna (…) and is necessary for the protection of roosters raised in private venues” The Commission added that the prohibition of cockfighting and animal breeding for fighting purposes is a legitimate and proportional restriction.
Andrea Borel, executive director of HSI/Latin America, said: “This is a great victory, both nationally and regionally, against cruel blood spectacles and sets an historical precedent for other fights against cruel shows involving animals. At HSI we strongly oppose cockfighting, which results in injury, suffering and death for the animals who are forced to fight. Such activities amount to animal abuse for entertainment and have no place in modern society.”
Cockfights are a bloody practice in which two or more birds bred specifically for fighting are placed in a ring, also known as a “cockpit”, for the sole purpose of fighting for human entertainment and gambling. A typical cockfight can last from several minutes to more than half an hour and generally results in the death of one or both birds. Birds suffer terribly from wounds inflicted by the use of sharp spurs attached to their feet. These spurs can be made from hawksbill, which is interrelated with other crimes such as wildlife trafficking, as it comes from the hawksbill turtle, a species in critical danger of extinction and protected by national and international legislation.
Natalia Cordoba, legal director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “In this particular case, emphasis was placed from the beginning on the analysis that the Constitutional Chamber had previously carried out, as well as on the legitimacy and proportionality of the restriction questioned by the plaintiffs, as the IACHR ended up confirming. An unprecedented feature in this process was that various civil society organizations, including HSI joined in support of state action and the prohibition of cockfighting. As this decision was made by one of the main bodies for human rights protection in the region, we do not doubt its impact level on processes that protect the environment and animals.”
Since cockfighting is still legal or illegally practiced in many countries around the world, including India, Indonesia, the Philippines and parts of Mexico. HSI estimates that tens of millions of roosters suffer from this cruel and bloody practice globally.
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Media contact: Alejandra Zuniga, alezuniga@outlook.com
Humane Society International / Latin America
Eduardo Cabrera
PETEN, Guatemala—Multiple mammals and birds have been released back into the Guatemalan rainforest after being rescued and rehabilitated from incidents of illegal trafficking and cruelty.
Asociacion Rescate y Conservacion de Vida Silvestre, with the support of Humane Society International/Latin America, released the animals in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, a protected area that spans 13.3 million acres in Peten. This joint project aims to tackle wildlife trafficking for the pet trade and other human activities that negatively impact wild animals.
The group of animals included one anteater (Tamandua mexicana), two raccoons (Procyon lotor), one margay (Lepardus wiedii) and two royal toucans (Ramphastos sulfuratus). The anteater, margay and toucans are all protected by legislation in Guatemala as endangered.
Both raccoons were rescued as juveniles back in August 2023. They were treated at the ARCAS rescue center before being moved to larger rehabilitation enclosures. These enclosures replicate a wild environment as closely as possible, ensuring the raccoons’ safety and well-being. The adult toucans arrived separately in 2023, allowing them to retain their wild behavior and quickly advance in their rehabilitation process, which ensures that animals can survive in the wild by hunting for food, hiding from predators and learning how to fly, jump or run.
Andrea Borel, executive director of Humane Society International/Latin America said: “The capture of wild animals for the national and international pet trade is a real problem in Guatemala. These animals are often kept in cramped, inadequate conditions not suitable for their species and denied the ability to exhibit their natural behaviors, which can further cause them physical and psychological distress. By supporting and working with our local partner, ARCAS, we are able to help animals regain their freedom as well as increase their wild populations to ensure future breeding in their natural forest habitat where they belong. We also work together on awareness raising to urge citizens not to buy products from wildlife and to report any such suspicious activity to the authorities.”
ARCAS director Fernando Martinez said: “Our mission is to reinforce existing wildlife populations, to prevent the extinction of species and thus ensure that there are healthy populations capable of adapting and reproducing in their natural habitat. We are proud that our rescue center is a pioneer in endemic species rehabilitation and release in our region, and we appreciate HSI/Latin America’s support.”
ARCAS carries out the physical, medical and behavioral rehabilitation of victims of wildlife trafficking and exploitative human activities, under strict scientific management standards. HSI/Latin America and ARCAS have been working together in wildlife protection and conservation in Guatemala since 2007. The release was conducted with the authorization of Guatemalan authorities from the National Council for Protected Areas, or CONAP.
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Media contact: Grettel Delgadillo: gdelgadillo@hsi.org
