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.
Despite being illegal in India, thousands of dogs are killed each year for the dog meat trade. HSI/India exposed this cruelty with shocking video footage from the Northeastern state of Nagaland, where more than 30,000 street dogs and stolen pets are captured, slaughtered and sold in live markets annually.
The dog meat trade in India is exceptionally brutal. Dogs are taken from the streets, and pets are stolen from their communities to supply the trade. The dogs are tied up in jute sacks with only their heads exposed, their mouths either tightly bound or stitched shut to keep them silent. They are then transported many miles to markets on the back of trucks. During the transport, the dogs remain confined in these sacks, deprived of movement, food, and water. Once they reach the market they are displayed in the sack and await slaughter. The killing methods are gruesome, with dogs being clubbed to death out of public view but in full view of other dogs.
Although India’s Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and associated regulations make the dog meat trade and consumption illegal, the practice persists in some states in India mostly in the Northeastern states.
HSI/India is actively working to end the consumption of dog meat in India, with a particular focus on Nagaland in 2024-2025, where there is increasing support for a dog meat ban. A ban was introduced in Nagaland in 2020 but was overturned by the Kohima High Court in May 2023 following challenges from dog meat traders.
As well as lobbying for re-enactment of the ban, HSI/India’s efforts are centered on stopping the sale of live dogs and dog meat in Nagaland markets, reducing the number of vendors involved by providing alternative livelihood options (many traders are women forced into the trade due to poverty), and curbing the smuggling of dogs from Assam, a primary supply source. Additionally, HSI/India will be working with local organizations and enforcement agencies to strengthen their ability to enforce existing regulations that could effectively reduce the trade.
Ilfov Country Council and Humane Society International/Europe launch program to care for street dogs and cats, empower local authorities and increase responsible pet ownership
Humane Society International / Europe
HSI
BUCHAREST, Romania—Together with the animal protection organization Humane Society International/Europe, the Ilfov County Council, kicked off a community-wide program to deliver free veterinary care to street dogs and cats. Teams of veterinarians will provide services such as spay and neuter, vaccination, microchipping, deworming treatments and first aid, to better protect people and animals. The initiative, running through 2025, is part of a broader effort to support local authorities in adopting humane population control strategies while promoting public education on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Roundtable discussions will also be held to support local and county authorities in creating strategic humane management plans for the region’s street animals.
Hundreds of street dogs and cats are likely to benefit from this initiative, contributing to a safer and healthier environment for both people and animals. The program will focus on high-priority areas, ranging from public institutions, former military bases, company headquarters, courtyards and disadvantaged and neglected areas within Ilfov County.
Hubert Thuma, president of Ilfov County Council, said: “I am not ashamed to say to Humane Society International/Europe: teach us, help us, work with us! At the same time, it makes me sad because I realize that after years and years, we as a country have not been able to care for street dogs and cats at the level they deserve. In 2013, we voted against the law on mass killing of animals. I explained then that mass sterilization, information and education were the solutions. Later, in 2020, when I became county council chairman, lo and behold, I was able to demonstrate that humane and effective methods exist. I thank HSI/Europe for the partnership for good that we have started together!”
HSI/Europe’s Compassion for Companions program has been supporting projects dedicated to helping pets in disadvantaged communities in Romania since 2022. Through local partner organizations, HSI facilitates access to veterinary care and assistance in communities where these services are non-existent or too expensive. More than 2,000 dogs and cats from shelters, from the streets or whose owners cannot afford the costs of veterinary care have been helped so far in several areas of Romania.
Andreea Rosetti, Romania country director at HSI/Europe says: ” We have launched the Compassion for Companions program in Romania because the animals here need as much support as possible. I have personally witnessed the desperate need for street animals to receive help and the veterinary medical care makes the difference between life and death. I also understand the struggle of those who care for the animals in a community who cannot take the burden of so many new puppies on the street. And this is where we help. We have started this collaboration with Ilfov County Council because Ilfov has already shown that they have an effective vision that puts the lives of all beings first.”
Dr. Katherine Polak, vice president of companion animal welfare and engagement at Humane Society International adds: “Humane Society International/Europe is ready to assist authorities in the humane management of stray dog and cat populations, drawing on data, rigorous research, and expertise in the field. HSI has a specialized Monitoring, Evaluation, Impact, and Assessment team that works globally to assist governments in identifying the best ways to manage free-roaming animal populations. We will help Ilfov authorities make informed and humane decisions for the benefit of the animals, as well as the community.”
HSI has successfully led animal population management programs all over the world to address companion animal welfare issues at a local or national level. Over the years, HSI’s MEIA team has provided support to local animal welfare organizations and governments with high-tech accuracy by developing mobile applications tailored to gather and track data for spay/neuter, catch-neuter-vaccinate-return of dogs and mass vaccination programs.
Hilde Tudora, Director of Animal Protection Ilfov; 0768.78.41.2
Humane Society International / South Africa
Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals
CAPE TOWN, South Africa—The Animal Law Project (ALP) proudly announces the release of its groundbreaking manifesto, “A Manifesto for Transforming Animal Protection in South Africa: A Constitutional Imperative” for public discussion, engagement and consultations. The Animal Law Project is a collaborative project initiated by Animal Law Reform South Africa (ALRSA), Humane Society International/Africa (HSI/Africa), (as well as the South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional, Public, Human Rights and International Law (SAIFAC), a centre of the University of Johannesburg) in 2022.
The Manifesto was developed after extensive consultations with the animal protection sector, other stakeholders including experts, veterinarians, academics, civil society organisations as well as discussions with government. It calls for an overhaul of the legal framework governing animals, most notably, reform of the outdated Animals Protection Act, which has remained largely unchanged for over 60 years, pre-dating South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, it is crucial to acknowledge that while strides have been made in pursuing social justice for humans, animals have largely been left behind. Despite expanding scientific consensus about non-human animal sentience (the ability to experience both positive and negative states of being), other extensive and complex animal capacities, and the weight of moral concern around animal suffering, it is arguably one of the worst times in history to be an animal. South Africa, known for its rich biodiversity, must now strive for social justice that includes all species.
In a landmark 2016 decision, the Constitutional Court of South Africa recognised animal welfare as a deep principle of the Constitution. The court acknowledged the sentience of animals and emphasized the intrinsic value of animals as individuals, shifting the focus from merely safeguarding human moral status to robust protection of animal welfare. Despite this recognition, there have been few changes to the administration of animal protection, leaving animals vulnerable to countless harmful and cruel practices.
Hundreds of millions of animals in various sectors endure ongoing and extreme suffering in South Africa:
Over 1.1 billion land animals are produced and killed for food annually, with chickens making up the majority at over 950 million. The consumption of other animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, aquatic animals and even insects are also on the rise. Farmed animals often endure extensive harm, including close confinement, mutilation, forced pregnancies, and unnatural diets. Practices such as long-distance sea transport and mass killings during crises have exacerbated the situation.
Wild animals are commodified as “faunal biological resources” under an interpretation of “sustainable use,” often resulting in their exploitation. Wildlife “farming”, often seen as a conservation success, prioritizes economic gains over true conservation. Harmful practices like canned hunting, poaching, and trophy hunting are prevalent, and both legal and illegal practices lead to the systemic killing of animals.
Aquatic animals and invertebrates are often not recognised as animals, with their deaths being measured in tonnage rather than individually, and their suffering ignored entirely.
Laboratory animals are subjected to inhumane testing, often for trivial or unnecessary purposes, such as the development of cosmetic products. The animal testing industry is characterised by inadequate regulation and oversight.
Companion animals continue to suffer from homelessness, malnutrition, illness and abuse, with free-roaming populations facing unmanaged breeding and mass killings in shelters.
Animals are also exploited in entertainment, tourism, and various economic activities, often suffering from neglect.
The previous Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) has expressed the intention to draft a new Animal Welfare Bill. The ALP, initiated to address the gap that exist and to advocate for a just legal regime for animals in South Africa, by informing this legislative process with modern and constitutionally aligned animal protection proposals.
This newly released manifesto has drawn from stakeholder feedback from various sectors, including civil society organizations, human rights groups, the legal fraternity, environmental and conservation sectors, academics, veterinarians, and students.
The manifesto, available for public comment and feedback, consists of three parts:
Part I: Introducing the background, impetus, and scope of the ALP, summarizing the extensive consultations, and the manifesto’s purpose.
Part II: Providing a high-level problem statement, highlighting the deficiencies in current animal regulatory regime and institutions, reviewing international developments and introducing the concept of constitutional misalignment.
Part III: Presenting tangible proposals for transforming animal protection in South Africa, detailing foundational values, guiding principles, and enabling mechanisms. The three foundational values proposed are constitutional alignment, sentience, and intrinsic value. The ten guiding principles include animal flourishing, vulnerability, ubuntu, public interest, least harm and proportionality, justifiability, duty of care, non-arbitrariness, knowledge, and internationality. The enabling mechanisms draw on existing South African and foreign precedent and best practice as well as commonly accepted tenets of good governance.
The ALP calls on the public, policymakers, and all stakeholders to engage with the manifesto and contribute to shape a future where the protection of animals is understood and realised as a matter of social justice and a constitutional imperative in South Africa.
Along with the launch of the manifesto, the ALP hosted a thought-provoking photographic exhibition in Cape Town and Johannesburg, featuring the work of renowned photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur, alongside local artists from We Animals Media and South African activists. The exhibition, “Justice for Animals? The lived reality of animals in the 21st century” showcases the ongoing suffering of animals identified in the manifesto and aims to evoke a deeper understanding and empathy for the plight of animals.
Help stop this cycle of cruelty by pledging to adopt your next pet or purchase only from a responsible breeder
Humane Society International / Europe
Mass killing of street dog populations is neither humane nor effective
Humane Society International / India
HSI
WAYANAD, Kerala—Humane Society International/India is on the ground in Kerala, southwest India, providing critical emergency relief to hundreds of animals affected by the devastating landslides and floods that hit Wayanad on July 30. The landslides, which have so far resulted in more than 350 human deaths with several hundred more people still missing, have also left hundreds of animals including dogs, cats and cattle trapped, stranded, injured and in desperate need of food or veterinary attention.
HSI/India has deployed its animal rescue team to aid relief efforts, including the distribution of 200kgs of emergency animal feed to stranded cattle, as well as medical and veterinary supplies, additional food and water rations, and providing shelter for animals.
HSI/India is working in coordination with official rescue teams, veterinary authorities and other local NGOs, and will expand relief efforts over the next few days to provide aid to more animals in two districts including Mundakkai and Chooralmala.
Praveen Suresh, HSI/India’s program manager of disaster response is on the ground and said: “Hundreds of animals are at risk in Wayanad’s Mundakkai and Chooralmala districts. The range of destruction caused by the series of landslides is something we did not expect to see. We are working around the clock to provide relief to every animal in need we come across. We also plan to strengthen our strategy which was focused on Wayanad for long term intervention for disaster risk reduction in the region.”
HSI/India has been actively working in Wayanad district of Kerala to build a disaster-resilient district for both humans and animals, and conducted flood preparedness trainings with communities and government to safeguard animals and their families during disasters like floods and landslides.
Media contact: Shaili Shah, sshah@hsi.org; +91 9930591005
Humane Society International / Mexico
HSI
MEXICO CITY, Mexico—Humane Society International/Mexico provided a specialized training session on July 24 for BVA (Brigada de Vigilancia Animal), a police unit dedicated to animal welfare, and PAOT (Procuraduría Ambiental y del Ordenamiento Territorial), a government agency focused on enforcing residents’ rights to a healthy environment. This training focused on cat behavior and welfare, aiming to enhance the care and management of sheltered cats within the BVA.
During the training, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of basic care requirements for cats in the care of the BVA, including preventive medicine protocols and necessary measures for proper handling and facility management. The course covered how to maintain a good quality of life for the cats, understanding their communication methods, and recognizing normal behavior patterns.
Dr. Claudia Edwards, a veterinarian and HSI/Mexico director of programs, emphasized the importance of this training: “It is crucial for authorities to be knowledgeable about cat behavior and welfare. Most of the knowledge and courses are focused on dogs, and cats are left aside, that is why on this occasion we wanted to focus on this species that has very special needs and behaviors, so they can provide the best possible environment for them.”
This initiative was part of the collaboration agreement that HSI and the Secretary of Citizen Security signed and underscored Humane Society International/Mexico’s commitment to promoting animal welfare and ensuring that all cats received the care and respect they deserve.
The Animal Surveillance Brigade’s functions include preventing animal abuse, rescuing animals in situations of cruelty, and caring for them until adoption. Through permanent work, the brigade attends to reports of animal abuse in the 16 municipalities of Mexico City; on many occasions the Brigade works hand in hand with the Environmental Prosecutor and with the Prosecutor’s Office Specialized in Environmental Crimes, or FIDAMPU, in cases of extreme cruelty.
Media contact: Carson Baer, media specialist; cbaer@humanesociety.org
Humane Society International / Mexico
HSI/Mexico
AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico—Humane Society International/Mexico, in collaboration with state and municipal partners, is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking pilot program to improve the welfare of companion animals in rural and low-income households in Aguascalientes. This initiative is based on critical needs that were identified in a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind dog population survey in Mexico.
The survey revealed that only 32% of the city’s roughly 310,000 dogs and 40% of its 77,000 cats have been sterilized, raising the chances of unwanted puppies and kittens being abandoned on the streets. Notably, dogs from low-income and rural areas were more likely to be surrendered to local animal control facilities, leading to a euthanasia rate exceeding 90% in 2022.
HSI/Mexico’s program addresses these issues through three main components: a mobile clinic for preventive services, training veterinarians for free sterilization campaigns and an educational initiative to train teachers on responsible companion animal care.
Mobile Vet Clinic
HSI/Mexico has deployed a mobile clinic offering free preventive medicine, including vaccinations, deworming and general veterinary check-ups. The clinic has already served over 200 animals in its early stages. During their companion animals’ treatment visits, families can participate in humane education discussions and children receive coloring books on proper companion animal care. The goal is to keep companion animals healthy and reduce abandonment due to untreated illnesses. Bárbara Morales, program manager of companion animals and engagement for Humane Society International said: “Helping families stay together with their animals and enjoy a healthier and happier life is something that fills your heart with a deep satisfaction. This program allows us to do so, and I am very grateful for that.”
Sterilization Campaigns
Recognizing the urgent need for increased sterilization efforts, HSI/Mexico will collaborate with government institutions to enhance existing spay and neuter campaigns. The program will provide specialized training for veterinarians in high-volume sterilization, pain management and best surgical practices. This initiative aims to decrease the number of free-roaming animals and increase the capacity to care for companion animals across the state.
Humane Education Campaign
The survey also highlighted a widespread lack of knowledge about animal welfare and responsible companion animal care. Hence, HSI/Mexico launched an educational campaign comprising of the following elements:
Teaching the Teachers: HSI trains elementary school teachers on animal behavior and welfare, providing them with the “Nose to Tail” curriculum developed in the U.S. This curriculum helps children learn about the responsibilities of companion animal ownership and proper animal care.
Direct Advising: At each mobile clinic, HSI offers group or individual consultations with companion animal owners, educating them on the five domains of animal welfare to ensure that their companion animals enjoy fulfilling lives.
Media Campaign: HSI will initiate a media campaign to promote responsible companion animals’ ownership. It will include traditional media appearances, social media posts and printed materials like banners and stickers, aiming to embed responsible companion animals’ care into the public consciousness.
HSI/Mexico works hand in hand with key stakeholders, including government agencies such as IEA (Instituto de Educación de Aguascalientes―Aguascalientes’ education institute), PROESPA (Procuraduría Estatal de Protección al Ambiente―Aguascalientes’ environmental agency) and Municipal officials, among others.
By addressing specific needs identified in the survey, HSI/Mexico seeks to create a model that can be replicated in other regions of the country. This initiative underscores HSI/Mexico’s dedication to enhancing the lives of companion animals and supporting the communities that care for them, helping families to stay together.
MEXICO CITY, Mexico—Today, leading animal protection organization Humane Society International launched a nationwide petition urging newly elected legislators to protect animals in Mexico’s supreme law, the Constitution. The earlier constitutional initiative by President Andres Manuel López Obrador, set to include specific provisions in art. 3, 4 and 73 of the Constitution to ban animal abuse, grant Congress powers to legislate on animal welfare and establish animal protection as a mandatory education guideline, was effectively paused by the 2024 election season. Now, Humane Society International is rallying the public to revive this crucial constitutional amendment against animal cruelty under the new government.
Millions of dogs and cats roam the streets of major Mexican cities, suffering from cruelty, abandonment, disease and neglect. Mexico is home to billions of animals kept and killed for food, who are confined to cages or crates for months at a time, preventing them from extending their limbs or even walking, and forced to suffer in live transport and inhumane slaughter. As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Mexico is also a major source and distribution hub of wildlife for illicit trade; half of the wildlife trafficking seizures at US entry points originate from Mexico, which also supplies illegal markets in Europe and Asia.
Anton Aguilar, HSI Mexico Executive Director, said: “Federal constitution-level safeguards would set a major legal precedent to prioritize animal protection in public policies, foster humane education and phase out cruel fiestas.It would reflect how social attitudes in Mexico have shifted away from cruelty and neglect towards a deep and genuine concern for animal welfare. We call on the incoming legislature, which will take office in September, to swiftly pass this consequential bill to turn Mexico into a leading example of animal protection legislation.”
Animal protection in Mexico has emerged as a significant political focus. This commitment was solidified in 2017 when Mexico City’s constitution recognized animals as sentient beings. Most Mexican states have enacted animal protection laws, incorporating penalties for abuse into their penal codes. Bullfighting has been banned in five states, dogfighting has been criminalized nationwide, and animal testing for cosmetics was prohibited in 2021. Moreover, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum’s emphasis on animal protection during the presidential debate and her party’s majority position signal a promising path for a constitutional amendment securing animal protection.
Sign the petition urging the new legislature to grant constitutional protection to animals.
ENDS
Media contact: Magaly Garibay, +52 5538762199, mgaribay@idee.agency
