SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica—Humane Society International/Latin America in conjunction with the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), the National Coordination of Animal Welfare of the Ministry of the Presidency, the Program Tejiendo Desarrollo of The First Lady of the Republic of Costa Rica, the Institute of Municipal Development and Assistance and World Animal Protection successfully concluded the Local Government Animal Welfare Program of companion animals whose main objective is to integrate the municipalities to the development of animal welfare projects that can be implemented in their communities.

Seven municipalities were voluntarily enrolled in the six workshops, including the Municipality of Montes de Oca, Tibas, Heredia, Moravia, Santa Ana, Alajuelita and Desamparados. This Plan consisted of two introductory workshops and four thematic workshops that took place from October 2017 to April 2018. For this last workshop, the President of the Republic, Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera, was present.

During the planning, implementation and execution of each of the projects, the Municipalities received full support from the institutions and NGO partners in the program on issues such as: responsible ownership, dog and cat population management, training in prevention of animal fights, regulation of permits and patents for sale and breeding of dogs and cats, receiving complaints, among others. After each thematic workshop, the local governments will have a period of time to design and plan the execution of each project according to the needs of their city.

Amanda Chaves, Manager of the Companion Animal Program of HSI/Latin America, said: “We reiterate our commitment to continue fighting and working for animals together with the Government of the Republic of Costa Rica and all institutions involved in animal welfare. We are aware of the priority that this Government has given to animals and their welfare, so we continue to promote changes that can help achieve a culture of peace with our animals. It is very encouraging to see the positive response of the participating Municipalities in this Program, this shows once again that awareness of the importance of animal welfare continues to grow in the country and Costa Rican citizens can be sure that HSI Latin America is working hard to ensure more humane treatment for animals in the country. “

Humane Society International is one of the largest animal protection organizations worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, HSI has offices around the world, on almost every continent and in more than 35 countries, including Costa Rica. The organization works to reduce the suffering of all types of animals, from laboratory animals, farm animals, pets, to wildlife, in order to create a more sustainable and humanitarian world.

Media Contact: in Costa Rica: Amanda Chaves Alvarado, achaves@hsi.org, 506 2233 0303 / 506 7018 4621