Puerto Rico Seeks to Declare Mandatory Sterilization, 5-Year Ban on Breeding

Legislation has been introduced in both the Puerto Rico House and Senate that would put a 5-year ban on all breeding and mandate the sterilization of every dog in Puerto Rico.

Those who do not comply risk fines, imprisonment, and having their dogs seized by law enforcement.

The legislation states that this will address the significant problem of unwanted and abandoned dogs in Puerto Rico.  AKC opposes this legislation, as it will do nothing to help this problem, will punish responsible breeders and dog owners, and could harm dogs that are sterilized at too young of an age.

Talking Points:

• Mandatory sterilization is expensive, difficult to enforce, and can impact the health of dogs and the public.  Mandatory sterilization can increase animal control costs for a community, and many people avoid licensing their dogs and even taking their dogs to the veterinarian to hide their lack of compliance.  Also, mandatory sterilization of young dogs can result in many health problems and even a shorter life.  Puerto Rico should focus on low-cost and free sterilization programs, rather than mandatory sterilization.
• Puerto Rico already has extensive licensing, cruelty, and abandonment laws.  The focus should be on strong enforcement of these laws, and basic laws such as not allowing owned dogs to run free, rather than on new laws.  Especially since the legislation says that current laws are not being followed.
• Breeders are not the reason for abandoned dogs or shelter population problems.  Dogs are left at shelters or abandoned for many reasons, including training issues, excessive barking, health issues, or even lack of money to properly care for the pet.  Having responsible breeders actually helps address this problem.  They produce healthy, well-bred dogs and ensure they are placed with a home that is the right fit for the family and the pet.  They also have a lifelong commitment to the dog and will ensure the dog is never abandoned or left at a shelter, but is always in a safe and loving home.

How You Can Help:

Those who reside, participate in shows, or work with fanciers and breeders in Puerto Rico are strongly encouraged to contact the House and Senate leaders and ask them to OPPOSE House Bill 2950 (P.C. 2950) and Senate Bill 1631 (P.S. 1631):

House of Representatives:

Hon. Jaime Perello Borras – President
Tel: (787) 622-4953 or (787) 622-4953
E-mail Message: http://tucamarapr.org/dnncamara/web/contacto.aspx?rep=20

Hon. Roberto Rivera Ruiz de Porras – Vice President
Tel: (787) 622-4893 or (787) 622-4894

Hon. Carlos Hernandez López – Majority Leader
Tel: (787) 622-4896 or (787) 622-4897
E-mail Message: http://tucamarapr.org/dnncamara/web/contacto.aspx?rep=22

Hon. Carlos Bianchi Anglero – Assistant Majority Leader 
Tel: (787) 977-2456 or (787) 977-2494

Hon. Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon – Minority Leader 
Tel: (787) 722-0458
E-mail Message: http://tucamarapr.org/dnncamara/web/contacto.aspx?rep=179

Hon. Carlos Méndez Nuñez – Assistant Minority Leader
Tel: (787) 722-3539

Puerto Rico Senate:

Hon. Eduardo Chatia Gautier – President
Tel: (787) 724-2030, ext. 3031, 3032, 3033
E-mail: ebhatia@senado.pr.gov

Hon. Jose Dalmau Santiago – Vice President
Tel: (787) 724-2030, ext. 2356, 2357, 2359
E-mail: jldalmau@senado.pr.gov

Hon. Anibal Torres Torres – Majority Leader
Tel: (787) 724-2030, ext. 2100, 2101
E-mail: ajtorres@senado.pr.gov

Hon. Rossana Lopez Leon  – Assistant Majority Leader 
Tel: (787) 724-2030, ext. 1020, 1021, 1022
E-mail: rolopez@senado.pr.gov

The American Kennel Club will continue to provide updated information on these bills as it becomes available.

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=105129

Posted by chesliepickett on May 31 2016. Filed under Breaking News, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.