Puerto Rico Police continued on Wednesday, November 11, investigating the discovery of bags containing dead dogs and cats dumped along the side of PR-132 highway in Ponce. Authorities have conducted interviews as part of the probe but have not obtained security camera footage from nearby businesses. Amid the case, animal rescuers in the southern area reported that a hate campaign has erupted on social media against stray animals and against the people who feed them.
We cannot take it as normal
"We cannot take it as normal," said rescuer Belkys Alvarado, who also reported that poisoned animals have been found in the area. Fellow rescuer Merari Virella said the animals are not to blame for being on the streets. Ponce Mayor Marlese Sifre Rodríguez acknowledged that abandoned animals continue proliferating in various sectors of the city despite municipal efforts through sterilization, adoption and awareness campaigns.
Asked whether people from other towns are bringing animals to Ponce to abandon them, the mayor did not specify whether the practice occurs. She cited as an example that last month more than 30 dogs and cats were rescued at the Complejo Ferial, but weeks later twice as many animals were seen at the same place.