SAN JOSE, Costa Rica—Two Costa Rican agencies, the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) and the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), received an equipment donation that will aid proper and safe handling of dogs and cats in cruelty cases, thanks to animal welfare organization Humane World for Animals Costa Rica, formerly Humane Society International Latin America.
Eight SENASA and eleven OIJ regional offices have received equipment and other items to facilitate animal handling, including carriers of different sizes, muzzles, special gloves, leashes, and wet dog and cat food. The donation also includes personal protection equipment and educational materials on responsible pet ownership, developed by Humane World for Animals in conjunction with the two agencies, to strengthen prevention programs and community outreach.
The donated items will allow for a safer approach for both confiscated pets and the people involved in their handling and care, facilitating animal transport to veterinary care providers and, in the event of death, ensuring the preservation and delivery of their remains to laboratories for necropsy, as established by corresponding regulations on animal welfare in Costa Rica.
Andrea Borel, executive director of Humane World for Animals Costa Rica, said: “Through this donation, we maintain our commitment to collaborate with government authorities in caring for animals who are victims of cruelty and deserve a compassionate and safe approach, as well as protecting the agents involved in this important work.”
Michael Soto, deputy director of the OIJ, said: “Without a doubt, this equipment will be very useful for our colleagues working in the regional offices to appropriately address animal cruelty crimes. You are giving us great support, in the form of modern and up-to-date equipment, for which we are very grateful.”
According to SENASA's Companion Animal Welfare Program, during 2024, the agency received a total of 3,030 reports of irresponsible dog and cat ownership. Furthermore, according to data from the OIJ's Criminal Analysis Unit, the agency received 204 reports of animal cruelty crimes during 2025, with death being the most common cause reported.
