October 19, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Jose, Costa Rica – October 19th, 2021

VANESSA LIZANO, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF RESCUE CENTER COSTA RICA, PLEADS WITH THE MINAE (The Minister for the Environment and Energy), SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas), and the COSTA RICAN GOVERNMENT TO WORK HARDER TO ENFORCE THE ILLEGAL PET TRADE LAWS

While Costa Rica has made progress in its animal welfare legislation, significant gaps and lack of action are allowing the abuse of vulnerable animals.

A recent example of the maltreatment animals experience is of a spider monkey named Polly, which was brought to Vanessa from another organization that was unable to care for her any longer. The spider monkey was a victim of the illegal pet trade and was living in a home where the owner taught her and encouraged her to smoke cigarettes. Tragically, Polly’s rescuers did not free her in time to save her life. She died in physical anguish at Rescue Center Costa Rica (www.rescuecenter.com) from pneumonia and other breathing complications. Why do animals suffer despite legislation to protect them from harm? The current laws to prevent the exploitation of wildlife are not strong enough and not enforced to save animals like Polly, who are red-listed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as endangered.

The excuse of traditional cultural traditions is often used as a loophole that makes enforcing the laws problematic and rescuing animals difficult. Laws that do exist to protect and save animals from harm are sporadically enforced if at all by the government officials at the MINAE and SINAC.

The government agencies must do a better job for animals with new stronger protection laws and enforcing the laws that are now in place. The lives of the nation’s animals depend on the government making good on its promises for animal well-being.

At Rescue Center Costa Rica, we are here to speak for the animals and to hold the government accountable. New laws are needed, the government agencies need to work harder to enforce the laws and the red tape that exists needs to be cut so that private non-profit organizations like Rescue Center Costa Rica can successfully accomplish their mission.

A change.org petition has been created and we would love your support for our petition:

https://www.change.org/p/minae-enforce-illegal-pet-trade-laws-in-costa-rica

For an interview request about this PR please email Vanessa Lizano direct at info@rescuecenter.com or the contact us page.

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