Report Abuse
Report animal abuse in Costa Rica and get SENASA involved
Correct procedure to report animal abuse according to Costa Rica law
by Licda. Diana Fernandez (AHPPA Lawyer Ad Honorem)
One of the biggest concerns in our animal lovers is the fact to know…. does animals have legal protection in CR? Well… talking about criminal judicial system they do, but not as a felony, animal abuse is considered as a minor felony.
Which is the correct procedure to report animal abuse in court?
Collect all the evidence, pictures, witness, videos, 911 calls, call the police and ask them to go to the scene and do a written report.
Then go to the court ( Juzgado Contravencional) where the facts have been taken place, present your self and and tell the person what you are for, you can do all this face to face conversation or by written.
You´ll receive a call from them and the judge will notify you and the accused person one specific day in order you and the other part to present.
Do not forget that day you should take your witness with you, because if the negotiation fails, the judge immediately start the trail.
This is a kind of little trail, the judge will listen both of you and the evidence that have been presented to. Remember the accused person has the right to be represented by a public defender provided by the government, you don’t, but in case you think you need legal assistance you can go with your lawyer. 24 hrs later the judge will give you the verdict.
Civil actions in civil procedures, could be presented as a part of the charging process for damages, specially in high price animals such horses or expensive dogs, but this is a totally independence procedure that has nothing to do with the minor felony.
You might be wonder what about my most beloved mutt??? Well the question here is: Are CR court rooms prepare to see animals as a living creatures with a sentimental value? In my opinion they should.
So where do I call ?
Call Senasa (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal). They are the ones that can take real action and make change happen.
Central 506-2-260-9049
Barreal de Heredia Costa Rica de Jardines del Recuerdo 1KM al oeste y 400 al Norte en el Campus Universitario Benjamin Nuñez Apartado 3- 3006 Cenada Central Telefonica 2260-8300
