The municipality of Vega Alta has initiated a 30-day moratorium for owners of abandoned or feral horses to reclaim their animals before the municipal program 'Adopt a Horse' takes effect, which includes their custody and subsequent adoption. The deadline is November 5. Mayor María M. Vega Pagán established the initiative through an executive order to address the presence of unsupervised horses on streets, roads, sidewalks, and public properties, which she says poses a risk to road safety and public health.
During the moratorium period, owners must present proof of ownership to reclaim their animals and pay $100 per day for the horse’s municipal custody, covering food and care expenses. They must also sign a maintenance and care commitment and accept periodic inspections by the Municipal Office of Emergency Management and Disaster Administration. The order warns that repeated abandonment will result in the horse’s permanent removal.
The process will begin with a complaint filed for each abandoned or feral horse. The municipality urged citizens to report these cases through their official digital platforms, where they will also publish information on rescued animals to facilitate identification. After the deadline, horses whose owners have not come forward will be transferred to the voluntary adoption program, available to residents of Vega Alta and other municipalities.
Interested adopters must sign a formal agreement and assume responsibility for the animal’s care. Mayor Vega Pagán also thanked Vega Baja Mayor Marcos Cruz for the guidance provided based on his municipality’s experience in managing this issue.