Lawmaker introduces legislation to tackle stray animal crisis

Rep. Ángel Fourquet Cordero

By The Star Staff

Popular Democratic Party Rep. Ángel A. Fourquet Cordero has introduced several measures to tackle what he characterized as the alarming stray animal crisis in Puerto Rico. He has also urged Gov. Jenniffer González Colón to declare a state of emergency.

“We can’t ignore the severity of this issue. We are facing an unprecedented crisis due to the overpopulation of stray animals, particularly horses, dogs, and cats,” Fourquet Cordero said. “This problem is not only about animal welfare; it poses a significant public health risk that demands urgent attention.”

House Resolution 207 aims to direct the House Health Committee and the House Reorganization, Efficiency, and Diligence Committee to investigate the role of the State Office of Animal Control (OECA), which is attached to the Department of Health. The investigation will focus on OECA’s actions in addressing the stray animal crisis, its compliance with Act 36-1984, its relationship with municipalities and nonprofit organizations, its oversight of regional shelters, and the use of public funds. The goal is to ensure an effective response that addresses both public safety and animal welfare.

Meanwhile, House Resolution 208 requests that the governor declare a state of emergency due to the overpopulation of stray animals on the island and implement a comprehensive action plan aimed at protecting animal welfare and public health.

Among the priorities that Fourquet emphasizes in the legislative proposals are:

* Strengthening the OECA for a mass sterilization strategy

* Implementing accessible neutering programs across the island

* Promoting management and citizen responsibility, including zoonotic disease-monitoring protocols and animal vaccination in vulnerable communities

* Implementing measures to ensure animal welfare.