While Some Were Counting Their Presents, Others Were Changing the Future

While many Americans were making their lists and checking them twice, Helen Woodward Animal Center began a quest to change the future of Puerto Rico. During a visit to Puerto Rico’s Canita Animal Sanctuary the HWAC team from Rancho Santa Fe, CA learned about problems facing pets in Latin America. At the largest Humane Society facility on the island only three of the 120 dogs arriving daily will survive. The other 96 percent will die in overcrowded shelters.

“This may be one of the saddest things I’ve ever witnessed,” says HWAC President Mike Arms. “We’re blessed to have this opportunity to help change the way animals are treated in Puerto Rico, but we’ll definitely pay an emotional price. There’s so far to go.”

The visit to Puerto Rico was recorded by a motion picture company and will become part of a documentary to be titled, “100,000.” Arms says, “The title of the film, ’100,000′ is about the 100,000 stray dogs living on the streets of Puerto Rico.”

Arms adds, “100,000″ will explore alternatives. “It will uncover the myths about sterilization, laws against animal abuse, the cultural problem of animal abandonment, adoption of orphaned pets, humane education for children, and how to care for a pet.”

HWAC Operations Director Rita Truderung says, “Canita Animal Sanctuary has stopped accepting rescued pets because so many animals are being abandoned on their doorstep. They’re at capacity with the 600 dogs they are caring for. But for every three to five animals they place with new families, another 10 to 15 are abandoned at their facility.”

HWAC Education Manager Christy Dunn will play a vital role in the future of Puerto Rico. “Things that we take for granted have never been introduced there. Animals are thrown away. Starvation, mange, and death in the street are so common that children don’t even notice. We’re starting education programs to change their future.”

The film is scheduled for release in 14 Latin American countries in July 2010. Here’s a look behind the scenes.

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Tags:  Animal Charities, Animal Welfare