How to report

Report animal abuse  in Costa Rica and get SENASA involved

Correct procedure to report animal abuse acording 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 acused person one specific day in order you and the other part to present.

Dont forget that day you shoukd take your witness with you, because if the negociation fails, the judge inmediately 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 acused person has the right to be represented by a public defender provided by the goverment, you dont, but in case you think you need legal assistance you can go with your lawyer. 24 hrs later the judge will give you the veredict.

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 oppinion they should.