We were left blindsided by the news that late Thursday evening, a Puerto Rico court declared the Governor’s executive orders on Spayathon null and void, stating that the government does not have the authority to allow veterinarians not licensed in Puerto Rico to practice on the island. This ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed by three Puerto Rico veterinarians who have been against this groundbreaking initiative since the beginning and decided to challenge the government in the courts. Those veterinarians are:
Dra. Monica Pagan Mutt
Dra. Victor Oppenheimer Soto
Dra. Maria Cueto Ruiz
Their case:
• The Puerto Rico DVMs argued that they were negatively affected by the Executive Orders because DVMs not licensed in Puerto Rico could practice veterinary medicine in the commonwealth.
• They argue that the government was allowing DVMs not licensed in P.R. to practice veterinary medicine in Spayathon clinics.
• They argue that the mechanism used to allow outside veterinarians to practice in the commonwealth is not allowed by the law.
Arguments from the government:
• Government argued that, during an emergency period, the governor can authorize DVM temporary licensing
• The government argued that P.R. DVMs did not prove they were negatively affected by the Executive Order
• The government also argued that this was a matter of public policy as it was intended to address the animal welfare crisis.
The Court concluded:
• Government cannot issue an Executive Order that is against an existing law. Current law does not allow temporary licensing and changing that is up to the Legislative Assembly.
• Declares Executive Orders 2020-15 & 2020-18 null and void.
This ruling effectively puts an end to Spayathon for Puerto Rico, unless the government appeals the decision in a higher court. This amazing project has been 3 years of extremely hard work and as a member of the Spayathon coalition together we have successfully s/n/v over 53,000 animals, making this the largest and most successful HQHVSN initiative in the world.
Spayathon for Puerto Rico has been the shining beacon of hope not only for The Sato Project but also for the millions of Puerto Ricans who so desperately need help with their animals. A large scale mass spay, neuter and vaccination program is the ONLY way we are ever going to address Puerto Rico’s massive animal population and the spread of infectious disease. Spayathon for Puerto Rico was providing a humane solution to decrease euthanasia and combat the massive suffering that street dogs endure.
This program is desperately needed. Every single person that we have had the pleasure of meeting through Spayathon has been so incredibly appreciative and thankful for this initiative. They line up at midnight to ensure they get seen. And no one complains. Since we began Spayathon for Puerto Rico has completed 52,524 surgeries and vaccinated the same amount of animals.
That prevents the birth of over 316,680 animals. That is over three hundred thousand that will not suffer.
We had four (4) more rounds of Spayathon to complete.
Our last clinic in May was canceled due to Covid 19.
We are now in what experts are predicting to be one of the worst hurricane seasons for decades. And on top of this, the earthquakes still continue daily.
This island, the people of Puerto Rico, the estimated 500,000 stray dogs and estimated 1,000,000 feral cats have suffered enough. The Sato Project stands firmly behind the continuance of the Spayathon program. It would facilitate the treatment of over 100,000 animals. It would stand forever as the change that Puerto Rico needs to end the perception of being the island of abandonment and suffering for animals. We have a unique opportunity to make history. And we for one want to be a part of it.
How you can help:
Email or call:
The Governor of Puerto Rico
Email gobernadora@fortaleza.pr.gov
Email asistencia@fortaleza.pr.gov
Tel: 787-721-7000
The Colegio de Medicos Veterinarios de Puerto Rico
Email: cmvpr@cmvpr.org
Tel: 787-249-5304/787-370-8548
Please be respectful in your communication.
These are just some of the facts of Spayathon to date:
52,524 Total number of dogs and cats altered to date.
316,680 births prevented (first year post surgery)
63.90% of animals had never seen a veterinarian
70.72% of animals 5 months and older have never been vaccinated for rabies.
41.83% of females over 11 months had already had at least one litter.
#SPAYATHON4PR #SATOSTRONG #SPAYANDNEUTER
“The Canine Condition” is a DOGumentary series and Podcast addressing what is being done to end the neglect, abuse and abandonment of dogs in the United States today, hosted and produced by actor and animal rescue advocate Jacqueline Piñol, and her husband, singer and actor Jonny Blu.
I apologize; this is a month old but it is OUTRAGEOUS. I apologize for the length, but please read it all and respond if you can. Hundreds of thousands MORE homeless animals will be born, suffer, and die if this is not fixed. Thank you.
Island Animal Alliance (@islandanimalalliance)