The National Animal Health Service (SENASA) and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) of Costa Rica have joined forces with the Humane Society International (HSI)/Latin America to support animal welfare programs in the country.
Both institutions signed agreements to promote initiatives for pets, farm animals and wildlife.
Cynthia Dent, regional director of HSI/Latin America, said: “We are encouraged by the positive response of these institutions to further develop our partnerships. These agreements show that the interest on the importance of animal welfare continues to rise and knows no political boundaries.”
MINAE and HSI work to improve current legislation, drafting the necessary regulations to support the work of wildlife rescue centers and facilitate collaboration in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking, among other animal rights matters of cooperation that are a priority for this administration.
Patricia Madrigal, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, said: “Wildlife is a legacy for all Costa Ricans, we appreciate it, value it, preserve and protect. We are pleased to sign this first agreement with the Humane Society International/Latin. This administration is committed to wildlife in this country, which has a biological and cultural value, and that we must preserve that for future generations.”
This is the third time that SENASA and HSI have united in favor of animals. As part of its most recent agreement, both will work for:
- Focus on campaigns to improve awareness of the general public about issues related to pets and farm animals.
- Provide training to government agencies, law enforcement and Judicial Investigation, to enhance their knowledge about the proper handling of animals and the evidence seized during raids.
- Strengthen and implement national legislation on dog fighting and other animal welfare related issues.
- Address animal welfare issues of farm animals by promoting consumption of more humane products and managing to establish certifications to determine products developed with national and international standards of animal welfare (cage free eggs, well-treated cows, etc.).