Puerto Rico’s animal welfare crisis is deeply intertwined with its ongoing struggles with energy and water infrastructure, both of which have been further weakened by climate change and natural disasters like Hurricanes Maria and Fiona. The devastation caused by these storms has not only affected humans but also left 500,000 stray dogs and countless other animals in desperate conditions.
Aydasara Ortega Torres
The Impact of Energy and Water Shortages on Animal Shelters
Shelters across Puerto Rico rely on stable electricity to run critical operations, from lighting to refrigeration for medications and food. After Hurricane Maria, about 85% of the island was left without power, leaving shelters unable to care for animals properly for months. The lack of power disrupted medical care and other vital services needed to protect animals from disease and malnutrition (Environmental Defense Fund, 2020). In a country with already fragile infrastructure, this prolonged crisis worsened the situation for both people and animals.
Water shortages present a parallel challenge. Without access to clean water, shelters struggle to maintain sanitary conditions, which increases the risk of disease transmission. Additionally, stray animals often resort to drinking from contaminated sources, which leads to health issues such as leptospirosis (Global Citizen, 2017). This has created a compounding cycle of crisis, with animals, many of whom were displaced by the storm, becoming sick or injured due to the inadequate resources.
Animal Advocacy in the Face of Crisis
Animal rescue groups like The Sato Project and Humane Society International have played a crucial role in providing relief. These organizations have evacuated animals to safer locations and provided vital care, but the challenges remain immense. For instance, evacuating animals post-Maria cost the Humane Society over $1.7 million, illustrating the financial burden of these efforts (UNC Media Hub, 2020). Advocacy groups are pushing for systemic change, recognizing that unless the energy and water crises are resolved, the island will remain in a precarious state for both humans and animals alike.
To address these intertwined issues, Puerto Rico must improve its energy grid and water supply systems to not only secure its population’s well-being but also safeguard the welfare of animals who are part of the broader ecosystem. By pushing for renewable energy solutions and improving basic infrastructure, both animal advocates and environmentalists are fighting for a future where people and animals can thrive together.
References
- Environmental Defense Fund. (2020). Strengthening Puerto Rico's energy system. Retrieved from https://www.edf.org
- Global Citizen. (2017). The water crisis in Puerto Rico is still affecting millions. Retrieved from https://www.globalcitizen.org
- UNC Media Hub. (2020). Glimmers of goodness in Puerto Rican animal welfare. Retrieved from https://mediahub.unc.edu