The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – The National Animal Health Service of Costa Rica (SENASA) announced that they were able to rescue 33 roosters and three dogs used for fighting in Guadalupe (San José).
“Although dog fighting is illegal in Costa Rica, it occurs often, especially in marginal areas of the country that promote a culture of violence,” said the metropolitan area director of SENASA , Allan Sanchez, in a press release.
SENASA in coordination with law enforcement officials, the Humane Society International (HSI) and American Stafford Costa Rica (ASCR) corroborated in the bust last Friday, saving three pitbulls and 33 roosters all used for illegal animal fighting.
The dogs were suffering from severe malnutrition, tumors and skin lesions, which demanded immediate medical attention, said SENASA.
“Even if a dog wins a fight, is permanently marked and often mutilated. Many die from blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion or infections that develop hours or even days after the occurrence of the fight,” Sanchez added.
The roosters were also mutilated and severely damaged by the fighting that they were subjected to.
As reported by SENASA, all the roosters were slaughtered, with gas, considered the most humane method of mass slaughter of animals, according to the emergency plan stipulated to control avian influenza.
The Costa Rican authorities called on the population to denounce these fights and to report groups engaged in this illegal activity. (ACAN-EFE)
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica