Does Costa Rica have a high rate of animal abandonment and abuse?

Question

Going to Costa Rica next year with my school, I need to know if there are a lot of homeless animals wandering the streets.

Answer 1

hi

there is nobody who protect animals in Costa Rica.

you may see a lot of dogs on the street.

there is no control, people do not take care of pets as it should be.

if you dont want your cat any more, you just put it somewhere on the street.

there are still rooster figts and even when the police know, nobody does anything.

I will be happy to show you one of this iligal rooster fights, so you can try to do something

Answer 2

There are a lot of street dogs in CR. Some get hit by cars often. But I rather see them free then having a city dog pound going around picking them up and killing them. Its pretty cool to see them walking around in groups and they get food from restaurants or sometimes there are neighborhood dogs that get fed by the whole neighborhood. They're real street smart too when it comes to crossing the streets and all kind of stuff.

Answer 3

Yes, there are abused and neglected dogs on the streets trying to find food and shelter. Some run in packs in the rural areas and some are loners. I saw this three years ago in Costa Rica and was most distressed by it. Many people there think Americans are nuts for treating our dogs with the love, veterinarian care and food that we do, not to mention letting them in our houses and vehicles.

Answer 4

To answer your question sadly:  yes.  Though I know of several kind-hearted individuals that take them in.  Two of these "shelters" are near my home near San Isidro del General (also called Perez Zeledon).

Answer 5

I have good news for you and all viewers in this open question from you, I know how you feel, trust me it happened to me when I saw in U.S - Florida several people abusing black cats for Halloween and I felt the worst of my life.... so the good news is that in Costa Rica there is a new law about animal abuse and rights, from the very begining we in Costa Rica love animals a lot, so much that we are the only American country on the continent with more Natural national Reserves available for the world to enjoy and to study. If you want to visit our website, the address is  http://www.solidamerica.com , once again you thank you for placing this good question.

Answer 6

It really depends on where you will be visiting when you go to  Costa Rica. If you are in San jose you may see a few animals on the street but not many.  

In most of the smaller towns ( especially those towns near the beaches)  you will find alot of "beach dogs".  I know that there are many people becoming concerned about the large number of animals that are "homeless" but we must remember they are animals and they do not have the weather issues (ie. winter snow, etc) that may cause concern in many other countries.

There are people who adopt and look after these animals but they are still allowed to run free.

When walking down the beach you are often greeted and accompanied by many dogs and they are very friendly, healthy and playful...Take it from me who is not really good with dogs that  i dont know...they are really friendly and in my one week stay there i befriended many and they follow and keep you safe on the beach.

If it is a fear of these dogs you have, I would say not to worry.

If it a concern for their welfare you can be sure there are people doing good work but i am sure they can always use some help.

Enjoy your trip and I hope you get to see many animals in Costa Rica , on the street and in the rainforests and beaches. (Keep your eyes open for the sloths..and there are a few sloth refuges in the country).