http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2007/10/13/pf-4574395.html
October 23, 2007
Puerto Rico to toughen of animal abuse laws after pet massacre
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Puerto Rico's Justice Department says it will support proposed amendments to toughen animal abuse laws in response to a massacre of dozens of dogs and cats seized from housing projects that has prompted local and international outrage.

The proposed amendments would force violators of animal protection laws to participate in an anger-management course.

It would also allow the immediate transfer of a pet to an animal shelter when mistreatment suspicions are first reported to authorities.

Activists called for amendments to existing animal abuse laws earlier this month after dozens of dead and wounded dogs and cats were found beneath a bridge a day after a mass roundup of pets and strays at three low-income housing complexes in the town Barceloneta.

Last week, pet owners who were allegedly forced to hand over their animals or face eviction filed a 22.5-(m)-million-dollar lawsuit against the company that took the animals away and others they say were involved.

Puerto Rico police chief Pedro Toledo says those responsible could face up to three years in prison.

No arrests have been made.