March against animal abuse hopes to attract 15,000 people in Costa Rican capital

Animal rights organizations are calling on all animal lovers – and their pets – to gather Sunday at 10 a.m. at San José’s Central Park for a march against animal abuse that will end at Plaza de la Democracia, in front of the National Museum.

The fifth edition of the march aims to pressure lawmakers to approve two bills that would penalize animal abuse in Costa Rica.

Both drafts await review and approval by the Legislative Assembly’s Environmental Affairs Commission before being voted on by lawmakers.

“Some 12,000 people joined us in last year’s march, and we are expecting that this year’s edition will attract some 15,000. We need to increase pressure and that can only be achieved with people’s support,” said Juan Carlos Peralta, president of the Association for Welfare and Shelter of Animals, coordinators of the march.

The demonstration is open to everyone, and organizers are encouraging attendants to bring their pets, “as long as they are in good health to walk a stretch of some eight blocks; those who don’t own pets also are welcomed to march to support the proposal,” Peralta added.

Organizers coordinated various activities for all attendees at Plaza de la Democracia including free deworming and vaccination against rabies, as well as entertainment options for both pets and their owners.

Some 25 animal rescue organizations will have stands for receiving donations of food and other items for abandoned animals. 

Veterinarians also will be present to take care of any pet requiring assistance, and volunteers will provide free bags to collect pet waste.

Music will be part of the event starting at 1 p.m. when local bands Dogandul, Seka, Espías 2.0 and PorDeSkaArte will offer a free concert for attendees.