Isabela Mayor Miguel 'Ricky' Méndez Pérez and the animal welfare organization Bienestar Animal-Isabela have denounced the abandonment of several puppies near the Guajataca Tunnel. The organization expressed outrage and sadness over the incident, stating that animals are not objects to be discarded when they become unwanted or a responsibility. Méndez Pérez characterized the abandonment of pets as abuse and a public health issue, urging citizens to collaborate in protecting animals.
Those with information about the abandonment can contact the organization confidentially at 787-872-9000, 787-872-0020, or 787-905-6683. Bienestar Animal-Isabela reiterated its commitment to finding alternatives to help the animals and called for assistance from the community, including temporary foster homes or associations that can provide space. The mayor noted that citizen collaboration has helped identify similar cases in the past, such as a 2025 incident in which a judge determined there was probable cause to arrest a man accused of abandoning 21 dogs in the same area.