San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Government of Puerto Rico is launching the third phase of the historic Spayathon for Puerto Rico, a historic no-cost high-volume spay/neuter initiative that has so far impacted over 16,000 dogs and cats in Puerto Rico.
Governor Ricardo Rosselló and First Lady Beatriz Rosselló are marking the initiative’s progress at a kick-off press conference on February 3, 2019 at 12:00 PM ET in Bayamón.
WHO:
Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló
Puerto Rico First Lady Beatriz Rosselló
Humane Society of the United States CEO & President Kitty Block
WHAT:
Spayathon for Puerto Rico: Round 3 Kickoff
WHEN:
Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 12:00 PM ET
WHERE:
Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez, PR-2, Pájaros, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
“Spayathon for Puerto Rico is the first time our government has participated in such an ambitious and comprehensive sterilization mission,” said Gov. Rosselló. “We are thankful to the Humane Society of the United States for its vision and its unwavering commitment to helping the animals of our island.”
First Lady Beatriz Rosselló added: «This is an initiative of the utmost importance that will allow us to work towards this administration’s goal of improving animal welfare and reducing the number of stray animals on the streets of Puerto Rico. We are excited to work alongside the Humane Society of the United States, the Puerto Rico Veterinary Association and the Puerto Rico Board of Veterinary Examiners to make this vision a reality.»
This initiative also provides high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter training for Puerto Rico veterinarians to increase the number of veterinarians on the island who can implement the high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter.
“This initiative is a remarkable example of what can happen when government agencies, nonprofits and veterinary medical professionals come together for one cause,” said Kitty Block, Acting President and CEO of the HSUS. “This collaboration will make a difference and improve the welfare of Puerto Rico’s animals.”
Maddie’s Fund®, PetSmart Charities, Petco Foundation, GreaterGood.org and The 20/22 Act Society, are providing the financial support necessary to carry out this initiative. Banfield Foundation, Best Friends Animal Society and Rescue Bank are providing critical supplies, such as vaccines, pet food and crates.
Veterinary teams from Emancipet, ViDAS, Veterinarians for Puerto Rico, Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at Cornell University and Helping Paws Across Borders will provide high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter services in locations across the island.
Ground support is being provided by Puerto Rico-based groups, including The Humane Society of Puerto Rico, The Sato Project, The Government of Puerto Rico, Junta Examinadora de Medicos Veterinarios de Puerto Rico, Colegio de Médicos Veterinarios de Puerto Rico, The Puerto Rico Dog Fund, Friends of Culebra Animals, Wild at Heart Foundation and Our Big Fat Caribbean Rescue; Coalition for Animal Rescue, Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program University of Florida; Sanctuario De Animales San Francisco de Asis.
The no-cost spay/neuter clinics have taken place and are scheduled for the following dates:
- Round 1: June 3–9, 2018 – Ceiba, Culebra, Manati, Moca, Ponce, Carolina, and Vieques
- Round 2: November 3–9, 2018 – San German, Carolina, Arecibo, Vieques, Culebra, Farjardo, Aguada, Aguas Buenas
- Round 3: February 3–9, 2019 – Bayamon, Carolina, Cidra, Culebra, Fajardo, Toa Baja, Guayama, and Vieques
- Round 4: May 3–9, 2019 – locations coming soon!
