Group asks for probe into DNER animal shelter

A member of the organization Puerto Rico Animal Link said “the request [for an investigation] is based on serious irregularities identified in the official documentation provided by the [Department of Natural and Environmental Resources] in response to information requests made under the Transparency Law.”

By THE STAR STAFF

Tania Delgado, a member of the Puerto Rico Animal Link organization, has formally requested that the island Department of Justice initiate both an administrative and legal investigation into the treatment of animals at the Cambalache Detention Center in Arecibo, which is under the custody of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER).

“The DNER committed in 2023 to rectifying its mistakes and ensuring the well-being of the animals at Cambalache,” Delgado said in a written statement. “However, the evidence we have gathered indicates that negligent practices and legal violations continue to occur. It is urgent for the Department of Justice to take action.”

Delgado added that “the request is based on serious irregularities identified in the official documentation provided by the DNER in response to information requests made under the Transparency Law.”

Among the findings are:

* Unexplained disappearances of animals, including boas and pythons, with no records documenting their fate.

* Overcrowding, frequent deaths, and inadequate veterinary care.

* Unsafe and unsanitary conditions at the facilities, including carcasses stored alongside food.

* A lack of official protocols for species management, as confirmed by a certification from the DNER in April of this year.

Furthermore, reports from the Caribbean Stranding Network, which has been contracted by the DNER to provide veterinary services, indicate that the primates housed at Cambalache are suffering from isolation and serious illnesses, which have even resulted in deaths due to chronic infestations and malnutrition. The report warns that the situation poses a risk to both animal welfare and public health.

The request also calls for an investigation into the appropriate use of public and federal funds allocated to the center and suggests coordination with federal agencies, if necessary, to ensure the protection of the remaining animals.