Several recent cases of dog abuse, including that of Duke, who suffered major damage to his muzzle in an apparent machete attack, have renewed calls for harsher punishment for those who maim or kill animals.
Animal rights groups in July will begin collecting signatures across the country to approve a referendum in which citizens would vote on an animal welfare bill imposing stricter sanctions for animal cruelty.
A bill that seeks to establish prison time for animal abuse faces an uncertain future after several lawmakers filibustered voting on the law last week by filing over 70 motions against it.
At the start of his term in 2014, President Luis Guillermo SolÃs promised that getting legislation passed to improve animal welfare in Costa Rica would be a priority for his administration.
Costa Rican bullfights and horse parades are a proud cultural tradition for many. But increased scrutiny in recent years is shedding light on the darker side of the revelry.
With just over two weeks left of the year, reports of animal abuse have already surpassed by 15 percent those recorded last year, the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) reported Friday.
Dog food company Super Perro and the Animal Rescue Association are building Costa Rica's first pet hospital, which will operate on an ability-to-pay basis. But first they need your help.
